Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 788: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Dublin Port tunnel, particularly in relation to the cost of overruns and the completion date. [24958/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the local authorities concerned — in this case, Dublin City Council.

I am informed by Dublin City Council that 221 compensation claims have been received to date, of which 138 are subject to ongoing negotiation, claiming, in most cases, minor damage to properties. An independent loss adjuster has assessed or is in the process of assessing these damage reports. I also understand that any verified damage connected with the tunnelling will be made good by Dublin City Council and the sum of €439,989, excluding professional fees, has been paid out to date on property repairs. A further €953,591, excluding professional fees, has been paid for the acquisition of land under property. I also understand from Dublin City Council that no confidentiality agreements have been signed by residents.

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. 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 from the NRA 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.