Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on a current Health and Safety Authority survey, which identified defects relating to the condition of roads here as a factor in compromising road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9075/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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It is the function of the National Roads Authority under section 17 of the Roads Act 1993 to secure the provision of a safe and efficient network of national roads. As part of this function, the National Roads Authority has overall responsibility for the planning, design and maintenance of national roads.

I understand that the Health and Safety Authority has a remit to investigate incidents on a roadway where the incident results from or has a direct relationship to ongoing work activity. I have been informed that it is not involved in any survey on the condition of national or secondary roads generally.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Transport the definitive date for the opening of the Dublin Port tunnel; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9054/06]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Transport when the Dublin Port tunnel will be open to the public; the cost of the project, including extra costs sought by the building contractor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9096/06]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 161: To ask the Minister for Transport when he expects the Dublin Port tunnel to open; and the measures in place to cope with the extra traffic congestion on the M50. [9184/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 127, 129 and 161 together.

The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority and the local authorities concerned. Good progress continues to be made on the construction of the tunnel. I am informed that the civil engineering work within the tunnels has 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 National Road Authority 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.

I also understand that the estimated cost of the Dublin Port tunnel remains at €751 million. 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. The traffic management and control arrangements that will apply following the opening of the Dublin Port tunnel are a matter for Dublin City Council. Following 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 is consulting with all stakeholders, including Dublin City Council, to facilitate the development of a co-ordinated traffic management strategy for the opening 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 getting under way. The delivery of the upgrade works will provide a significantly enhanced M50 motorway linkage around Dublin City.