Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 486: To ask the Minister for Transport if his Department has received draft proposals for a heavy goods vehicle management strategy from Dublin City Council to coincide with the opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel; if so, if he will await the decision of the elected city council before proceeding with regulations for such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14558/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Preparation and adoption of the heavy goods vehicle, HGV, 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 officials and I are consulting all stakeholders, including Dublin City Council, to ensure that a co-ordinated strategy is developed for the opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel. The heavy goods vehicle management strategy is an important part of this process and in that context, my Department received a copy of the draft proposals prepared by the Dublin city manager in the matter.

I understand the HGV management strategy was considered by Dublin City Council on 10 April 2006. At that meeting, the council decided to introduce the strategy with a full extended cordon as and from 1 January 2007. This means that prior to that date, there will be a period available for bedding-in to be allowed. From 1 January 2007, there will be no surface access routes to Dublin port except through the port tunnel between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day. I have been advised that the executive of the council is in the process of putting in place arrangements to implement the council decision.

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. This work is under way.