Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 128: To ask the Minister for Transport the steps that are in place to alleviate the expected traffic congestion on the M50 and Westlink when the Port Tunnel opens later in 2006; the expected date for the opening of the tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16216/06]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 140: To ask the Minister for Transport if the Dublin Port Tunnel is still on target to open to traffic for summer 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16264/06]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 141: To ask the Minister for Transport the additional measures which will be implemented on the M50 and M1 to deal with the increase in traffic as a result of the opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16265/06]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 149: To ask the Minister for Transport the legislative changes he envisages making to facilitate the optimum use of the Dublin Port Tunnel, in particular in relation to the use of the right hand lane by heavy goods vehicles in both tunnels. [16239/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 340: To ask the Minister for Transport the extent to which current and anticipated traffic flows have been examined with a view to avoiding traffic chaos when the Port Tunnel is opened; if other plans have been examined with a view to alleviating road congestion on the M50 at that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16579/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 140, 141, 149 and 340 together.

At the outset, I should explain that 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, in this case, Dublin City Council.

As a major new element in Dublin's road network, the Port Tunnel will have a significant beneficial impact on traffic flow in the Dublin area. I understand 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. The latest indications from Dublin City Council and the NRA are that the main construction and installation work in the Tunnel is expected to be completed in June, with the Tunnel opening to traffic in late August, early September. However, in the interest of public safety, the exact opening date will be contingent on satisfactory completion of the testing and commissioning of the tunnel's operational and safety features, including the training of operational and emergency staff.

Traffic management in general is a matter for the appropriate local authority in the area. In this instance, the traffic management and control arrangements that will apply following the opening of the Tunnel are a matter for Dublin City Council. I understand that the Council together with the NRA are working to ensure that the Dublin Port Tunnel, when open, will integrate smoothly with the road network at both the M1/M50 junction and in the port area.

I am very 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 strategy is developed for the opening of the Tunnel. Dublin City Council's Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Management Strategy is an important part of this process in that its purpose is to ensure that maximum traffic benefits are secured from the Dublin Port Tunnel.

I understand that the Strategy was considered by Dublin City Council on 10 April 2006 and that at that meeting, the Council decided to introduce the Strategy with a full extended cordon as and from 1 January 2007. From that date, there will be no surface access routes to Dublin Port for the restricted vehicles identified in the Strategy except through the Port Tunnel between the hours of 7am and 7pm each day. The Executive of the Council are 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 regulations regarding road signage and related matters to support the strategy. This work is underway.