Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for Transport if there was an incident at areas 3,000, 4,000 and 1,950 in the Dublin Port tunnel recently, where water was flooding the areas and a ceiling fell down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32053/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The planning, design and implementation, including the supervision of construction, of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the local authority concerned. I am informed by Dublin City Council that as with construction of any tunnel, under a 20m head of ground water, some minor initial entry of water is anticipated. I understand at the following locations; vehicle cross passages, chainage 3,000 m and 4,000 m, and the tunnel boring machine turn shaft head wall, at chainage 1,900 m, such entry of water has been encountered.

Dublin City Council inform me that the contractor has in place a sequence of preventative grouting, to seal off these ground water paths. No flooding has or is occurring, nor have there been any ceiling falls. Where voids are detected, in the crown of any concrete closure pours, these are to be dealt with by specialist grouting subcontracting firms. I understand these works are routine quality control activities, as part of the completion of the main civil works.