Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason the Dublin Port tunnel is now running €200 million above the projected cost; and the timescale on completion. [18742/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The construction of the Dublin Port tunnel, including contractual matters related thereto, is a matter for the National Roads Authority and Dublin City Council. I understand from the NRA that the current estimated cost of the Dublin Port tunnel is €751 million, including price variation, as against an estimated cost at tender stage of €580 million — at 2000 prices, excluding provision for price variation in line with construction inflation indices.

The increase is mainly due to the operation of the price variation clause over the period since tender receipt in 2000 to date, with a limited number of other factors, such as higher than anticipated land settlements, impacting on the updated overall project cost.

I also understand that the primary construction work on the port tunnel is expected to be completed in December 2005 and that the tunnel will be open to traffic as early as possible in 2006, following commissioning of the tunnel's operations and safety features.