Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 852: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to whether the construction work on the Dublin Port tunnel is completed; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1025/06]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 855: To ask the Minister for Transport the steps he intends taking to stem the flood of public money into the port tunnel project; if he has identified the cause or causes of the cost overruns and time delays; and if he is satisfied that similar problems will not arise on future tunnelling projects such as the interconnector and metro. [1119/06]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 856: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the latest delays to the Dublin Port tunnel project; when the tunnel will be open to the public; the cost overruns of same; the person who will be liable for these cost overruns; the amount of damage which has been caused by the recent flooding; the steps he is taking to control costs on this project; if delays in opening will be kept to a minimum. [1120/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 852, 855 and 856 together.

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. Progress continues to be made on the construction of the tunnel. I am informed that the civil engineering work within the tunnels has now been largely completed and that the main focus of work has shifted to the installation of the mechanical and electrical systems which make up the safety and control features of the project. I understand from the NRA that the tunnel is expected to be open to traffic in summer 2006 following the testing and commissioning of the tunnels' operational and safety features.

Claims for additional costs submitted by the contractor in this case are a matter for Dublin City Council in the first instance. It should be noted that the making of a claim by a contractor does not inevitably lead to additional payments. I understand from the NRA that the estimated cost of the Dublin Port tunnel remains at €751 million.

The tunnel's construction work has been monitored in detail since the project commenced in 2001. Design and construction is monitored by construction supervisors appointed by Dublin City Council. When problems arise, as they inevitably do with projects of this size, Dublin City Council and its construction supervisors ensure that they are detected and rectified. If remedial measures are called for at any stage the contractor is required to implement them at their own expense. I also understand that contrary to the impression that may have been created, the tunnels are safe and stable.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 853: To ask the Minister for Transport if the new video evidence on major cracks and flooding at the Dublin Port tunnel will be investigated; and if the maximum safety measures will be given for the workers and local residents above the tunnel. [1056/06]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 859: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to an independent consultants' report regarding the port tunnel detailing poor ventilation and the fact that the rate of leakage of ground water is almost seven times the acceptable level; if his attention has further been drawn to inadequate pumping arrangements, defective lining of the tunnel roof and the lack of adequate concrete on the ceiling; and the completion date for the port tunnel. [1187/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 853 and 859 together.

The construction of the Dublin Port tunnel and issues related thereto are matters for the contractor, Dublin City Council, and the National Roads Authority, NRA, in the first instance. I understand from the NRA that a safety audit of theproject confirms that the Dublin Port tunnel complies in all respects with the requirements of the proposed EU directive on safety in road tunnels and that national and EU air quality standards have been fully taken into account in the design and construction of the tunnel. In supervising the design and construction of the Dublin Port tunnel the NRA has been fully cognisant of the need to ensure the highest standard of safety provision and has taken account of the most up-to-date standards and guidance. The operating system for the tunnel and the ventilation and safety systems have been designed with safety as a paramount parameter. Measures to deal with accidents, breakdowns and fires in the tunnel are all being installed.

The tunnel's construction work has been monitored in detail since the project commenced in 2001. Design and construction is monitored by construction supervisors appointed by Dublin City Council. When problems arise, as they inevitably do with projects of this size, Dublin City Council and its construction supervisors ensure that they are detected and rectified.

If remedial measures are called for at any stage the contractor is required to implement them at their own expense. I also understand, contrary to the impression that may have been created, that the tunnels are safe and stable. At no time could or have these leaks contributed any risk to the health and safety of the workforce or to residents hundreds of metres away. I understand that the tunnel is expected to be completed and open to traffic in summer 2006.