Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

On many occasions, we have referred to the need for the Minister for Transport to come to the House in connection with the Dublin Port tunnel. His decision today to ban super trucks from the capital is astonishing. It is time for him to come to the House to explain where responsibility lies for the fiasco which currently pertains.

I assume many experts and consultants were employed to design the port tunnel. They have designed a tunnel which cannot be used by every vehicle. Incidentally, the difference in height is only one foot, although the Minister has referred to "super trucks", which is quite disingenuous on his part. There is now no viable alternative to freight in the city centre. Having regard to the shambles in relation to rail freight, it is a matter of urgency to invite the Minister to the House to outline his plans with regard to cargo and heavy goods vehicles.