Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Transport the way in which it is expected to achieve a free flow of heavy goods vehicles from the N11, N7 and N9 which are likely to converge on the M50 toll plaza in the event of the opening of the port tunnel; if steps will be taken by Government in the interim which might have an alleviating impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3264/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 278: To ask the Minister for Transport the way in which it is expected to route the anticipated volume of heavy goods vehicles from the N11, N8, N7 and N9 through the M50 to the port tunnel without creating traffic chaos; if adequate thought was given to this part of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3544/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 278 together.

Traffic management in general is a matter for the appropriate local authority and the traffic management and control arrangements that will apply following the opening of the Dublin Port tunnel are a matter for Dublin City Council.

In parallel with the opening to traffic of the Dublin Port tunnel, Dublin City Council will be introducing a heavy goods vehicle traffic management strategy to ensure that maximum traffic benefits are secured from the Dublin Port tunnel.

My Department's formal role will be to put in place the necessary regulatory framework relating to traffic and parking management and road signage to support the strategy. In addition, my Department will continue to liaise with Dublin City Council as the strategy is finalised so that I may be assured that the primary objective of the Dublin Port tunnel — to provide a high quality access route to Dublin Port for heavy goods vehicles — is achieved in a manner which maximises the overall traffic benefit of the tunnel.

The improvement of traffic flow on the M50 requires the implementation of the M50 upgrade project, including the installation of barrier free tolling, phase 1 of which is now getting under way.