Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for Transport the work undertaken to investigate the feasibility of the eastern bypass for the greater Dublin region; the moneys allocated under the national development plan for this purpose; when a decision will be taken on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12739/07]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Transport the reports that have been made available to him with regard to the proposed new eastern bypass in Dublin city; and the decision making process and possible funding arrangements for such a development. [12717/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 117 together.

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding for the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects, such as the proposed eastern bypass route and the Dublin outer orbital route, would be a matter for the National Roads Authority and the local authorities concerned, under the relevant sections of the Roads Act 1993. At the launch of Transport 21, I indicated that a feasibility study would be undertaken on both of these routes. Neither project is included in the Transport 21 financial envelope. The NRA is currently pursuing this work. I expect to have the study on the Dublin outer orbital shortly and I intend to advise my Cabinet colleagues on its outcome.

The NRA has engaged consulting engineers to undertake an engineering and feasibility study into the eastern bypass. This study will examine possible route options, prepare forecasts of traffic demand and report on scheme costs for the various options examined. The study is expected to be completed later this year.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The reservation of some of this road runs through my constituency and it has had a road reservation for as long as I can remember. It was taken off the pitch entirely when the Fianna Fáil manifesto prior to 1997 stated it would never happen. After its re-election in 2002, it went back on the list for a feasibility study and this has been ongoing for five years. Is there any prospect of getting an answer to the question on whether it is feasible? Is the Government contemplating it? Is the road reservation to be kept indefinitely? Is it the Minister's intention to speak to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government about the new flood barrier that is proposed for the mouth of the River Liffey? Is the potential for a road on top of this barrier being examined?

The Minister mentioned the feasibility study for the outer orbital. Am I to infer that it is either the outer orbital or the eastern bypass?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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No.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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What is the connection between the two? Are they being considered as alternative projects?

In any post-construction assessment of the port tunnel, will value for money and the efficacy of the tunnel be taken into account, given that it went ahead after the decision was made to drop the eastern bypass before the 1997 election? Its efficacy was diminished following that decision.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Both projects are under feasibility studies. Some people have suggested the outer orbital is another road outside the M50, but that is not the case. It is a different route which provides extra capacity for drivers who wish to avoid Dublin. The study is almost complete on the outer orbital and is slightly ahead of the feasibility study on the eastern bypass. Although I have not seen it and I am guessing slightly, it will cut across from south of Drogheda and link up with all the other motorways.

There is substantial engineering involved in the feasibility study of the eastern bypass. All of these roads are measured against all the other modes of transport available in Transport 21 to see how we can get maximum value out of those projects. Both are exciting projects.

The port tunnel is working exceptionally well and will prove to be one of the most sensible and significant projects ever undertaken. Whether the eastern bypass is built or not, the tunnel has provided much relief to the streets of Dublin following the reconfiguration of traffic due to the cordon put in place. However, I will not prejudge the operation, unlike the two Deputies who prejudge everything.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Will there be a post-construction assessment of the tunnel?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Of course. The benefit of all the projects are plain to see. I know it is difficult for Fine Gael and Labour when projects that they have criticised——

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Minister should stop waffling and answer the question.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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——such as the Luas projects ——

Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Minister should stop lecturing us and be a bit more humble after all his catastrophes.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I am keen for the Minister to get to the next question, so I will be brief. What is the purpose of the eastern bypass?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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That is why there is a feasibility study under way. We will wait and see if there is a purpose to it.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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How long do we have to wait? We are waiting for years.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I said in plain English that I expect to have the feasibility on the orbital route shortly, while I expect to have the study on the eastern bypass later in the year. I cannot be any clearer than that.