TDs Quiz NRA Chief On Port Tunnel Safety

A group of TDs has voiced concerns over the safety of the Dublin Port Tunnel, despite repeated assurance from the National Roads Authority to the contrary.

The tunnel is described by the NRA as one of the first in Ireland to comply with EU safety regulations.

However, a joint Oireachtas Transport Committee has asked the NRA to provide copies of designs for the tunnel's automatic control system, which it has been claimed, raises questions over its suitability.


Fine Gael's transport spokesman Fergus O'Dowd blasted the head of the NRA for misleading the state on safety of the tunnel.

Roads Authority Chief Executive Fred Barry said the report examining the automatic control system in the €750 million tunnel, had identified "significant deficiencies."

Despite this, Mr Barry claimed the NRA was aware of most problems and had implemented improvement works.

"It was usually possible to continue to operate the tunnel safely before all the ultimate corrections were in place, by taking appropriate and effective mitigation measures," said Mr Barry.

"Every expert has expressed confident with the tunnel's safety," he added.

(PR/JM)