Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 458: To ask the Minister for Transport if the Dublin Port Tunnel will only be permitted to function at 20% of capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27876/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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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.

I have no function in relation to day-to-day matters associated with the operation of the Tunnel.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 459: To ask the Minister for Transport the percentage of capacity the Dublin Port Tunnel will be allowed operate; when it will be open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27877/06]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 460: To ask the Minister for Transport when it is proposed to open the Dublin Port Tunnel; the estimated cost of the project; the additional traffic implications for volume of traffic on the Westlink Bridge which will follow from the opening; the percentage of trucks that will be facilitated in using the tunnel; the implications for traffic flow, of trucks being obliged to cross into the left lane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27878/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to answer Questions Nos 459 and 460 together.

At the outset I should say that overall responsibility for the planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned. In the case of the Dublin Port Tunnel, that authority is Dublin City Council.

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 shortly with the Tunnel opening to traffic in the Autumn. 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 this instance, the traffic management and control arrangements that will apply following the opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel are a matter for Dublin City Council.

My Department is keeping in touch 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.

My Department's formal role will be to put in place the necessary regulations regarding traffic and related matters to support the strategy. This work is underway and will be completed in good time before the opening of the Tunnel.

I understand from the NRA that the estimated cost of the Tunnel remains at €751 million, which has been the estimate for some time.