Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response and his invitation to visit the tunnel control centre. He may recall the terrible tragedy that occurred on 24 March 1999 in the Mont Blanc tunnel, where 39 people died when a Belgian transport truck carrying flour and margarine caught fire. At 10.53 a.m. on that day, the driver of the vehicle stopped in the middle of the tunnel in an attempt to fight the fire, but he was forced back by the flames from the cab. At 10.55 a.m., tunnel employees triggered the fire alarm and prevented any further traffic from entering. However, 18 trucks and ten vans were trapped in the tunnel. Most of the drivers rolled up their windows and waited for rescue, but the ventilation system drove toxic smoke back down the tunnel faster than anybody could run for safety. Drivers near the blaze who attempted to leave their vehicles and seek refuge points were quickly overcome by the fumes. Fifteen firefighters were also trapped in the tunnel, all of whom were admitted to hospital in serious condition and one of whom subsequently died.

That tragedy highlights the need to have a safety plan for the Dublin Port tunnel. The Minister referred to safety drills taking place every three months. That frequency is not sufficient and should be tightened. Human error is difficult to plan for, but we must have measures in place to deal with all eventualities.

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