Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Transport when he expects the port tunnel to open to traffic and the reason for the further delays. [21231/05]

Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the huge cost overrun on the Dublin Port tunnel project; the way in which he intends to ensure that the taxpayer does not end up paying for this overrun; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21181/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 74 together.

The construction of the Dublin Port tunnel, including contractual matters related thereto, is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and Dublin City Council. I understand from the NRA that the estimated final cost of the Dublin Port tunnel is expected to be €751 million, including price variation, against an estimated cost at tender stage of €580 million — year 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 early in 2006, following commissioning of the tunnel's operations and safety features.