Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 143: To ask the Minister for Transport if he, or his Department has made representations to Dublin City Council with regard to the proposed new heavy goods vehicles management strategy which is due to be introduced following the opening of the Dublin Port tunnel; and his views on the contention of the consultants hired by Dublin City Council that following the opening of the tunnel there should not be the provision for free access to and from the port from the south side of the river due to the continued problems that such provision would create for the residential areas on any such port access route. [9206/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Preparation and adoption of the HGV traffic management strategy to ensure optimum use of the Dublin Port tunnel by HGV traffic is a matter in the first instance for Dublin City Council. My Department's formal role will be to put in place the necessary regulatory framework as regards traffic signs, etc., to support the strategy.

As a major new element in Dublin's road network, the Dublin Port tunnel will have a major beneficial impact on traffic flow in the Dublin area. It will be of particular benefit in facilitating improved access to Dublin Port for HGVs while reducing HGV traffic in the city. My Department's primary objective is to ensure those benefits are realised.

I am conscious of the need to co-ordinate the commissioning of the completion of the Dublin Port tunnel with the upgrade of the M50. My officials and I are consulting with all stakeholders, including Dublin City Council, to ensure that a co-ordinated traffic management strategy is developed for the opening of the tunnel. The HGV management strategy is an important part of this process.

It is not for me to give a determination to Dublin City Council on specific issues such as access to the port from the south side of the river. My focus is to bring about a co-ordinated strategy that will balance the needs of all concerned. I will, however, continue to liaise with Dublin City Council so that I may be assured that the primary objective of the Department is achieved in a manner which maximises the overall traffic benefit of the tunnel.