Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí assigned to patrol the Dublin Port tunnel; if they have specific training to deal with tunnel emergencies; the number of Garda vehicles that were agreed to have special equipment for use in case of tunnel emergencies; the operational status of such vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37852/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that all members of the DMR Traffic Corps; DMR North Central; and DMR North Divisions undergo a specific two day training programme provided by Dublin Port Tunnel personnel which include modules relating to familiarisation with the Dublin Port Tunnel — geography, construction, emergency provisions, Garda procedures, communications etc.; Standard Operating Procedures in place for the Port Tunnel; instruction on the Garda Síochána Risk Assessment for the Dublin Port Tunnel; and relevant legislation for enforcement by members of An Garda Síochána on duty in the Port Tunnel.

An Operational Order has been put in place by local Garda Management for policing the Dublin Port Tunnel, which requires two marked divisional patrol vehicles to be allocated for this duty on a 24-hour basis, 7 days a week, supplemented, as required, by one of the DMR Traffic Corps vehicles on motorway duty. These vehicles are equipped with specialist breathing equipment, as are two other DMR Traffic Corps vehicles which are available at all times to be diverted to any incident occurring in the Port Tunnel, if required.