Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 3: To ask the Minister for Transport if, in view of the conflicting information surrounding the Dublin Port tunnel, he is considering a review of his position on supercube trucks using this tunnel. [9894/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Following my announcement in October 2004 the operational height of the Dublin Port tunnel will not be changed. The tunnel is being completed as planned and will have an operational height of 4.65 m.

It is the view of Dublin City Council and the National Roads Authority that the Dublin Port tunnel will facilitate almost all of the HGV traffic currently using Dublin Port. Provision for those HGVs unable to use the tunnel is a matter for Dublin City Council.

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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I know I have raised this issue with the Minister before and it is not something that will go away. It has long-term implications for traffic in Dublin. Does the Minister agree the tunnel could be modified at a low cost to provide for clearance while meeting all Irish and international safety standards? Will he comment on the specific detailed proposals submitted by the transport umbrella group, outlining how this could be done by reducing the width of the traffic lanes and dropping the level of the tunnel's floor? The independent consultants appointed by the Minister to report on the feasibility of modifying the tunnel's clearances, concluded that works required to implement the modifications would not involve massive changes. If it is a matter of just moving out the lane which would fit all of these trucks why is the Minister opposed to this? It does not make sense if supercube trucks are coming more and more on stream. Rather than having them driving through the Dublin streets, what the consultants propose seems so logical and simple and makes sense. It would mean removing that type of traffic from the city's roads.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I have made the point on a number of occasions on why I would not reverse the decision on the tunnel, for reasons of finance, delays etc. I have another reason — I simply do not want those enormous trucks here. We looked at the situation in 12 countries including Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the USA, all of which have lower requirements. I do not see the reason or the need to have these enormous trucks on our roads. Quite simply the cost of them in terms of maintaining our roads and the damage is huge. The safety aspect of driving through our streets is also a major consideration.

My view in terms of the tunnel is that we are more than adequately equipped relative to most of our European competitors, in fact all of them. They are not above that figure. I know the Minister of State is currently involved with the Irish Road Haulage Association, in terms of getting an overall picture for the country. I am giving the Deputy my view, which I believe to be correct. One comes to a point where one makes a decision in these matters. Looking at international best practice, the height restrictions on the Dublin Port tunnel are adequately above the restrictions for tunnels in other countries.

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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The tunnel is suitable for these trucks if there is a slight inexpensive modification. The Minister refers to the effects this will have on the roads. Is the Minister referring to the weight of the trucks as restrictions already exist in this regard? Is he claiming these trucks will cause more damage on the roads?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is not in favour of allowing these large trucks on the road. Sinn Féin wants them on the roads in Ireland, unlike most European countries, but I disagree with the Deputy.

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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I am not asking about the Sinn Féin position. I asked the Minister a question which he has not answered.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I could not be more clear with the Deputy.

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Will the Minister ban these types of trucks?