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For Immediate Release: 26th July 2006 Exporters call for immediate action to open the Port Tunnel…. But not compulsory use. The Dublin Port Tunnel opening continues to be deferred much to the annoyance of Irish export industry. The Irish Exporters Association have again been frustrated in establishing with the National Roads Authority (NRA) just when the Port Tunnel will open. The Irish Exporters Association stated that their enquiries to the NRA were met with reports of “not July and unlikely in August”. John Whelan CEO of the Irish Exporters Association stated: “This is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure in the country and certainly the most critical to the export industry. Yet we have had continuous missed dates from 2004, through 2005 and now the low volume months of July and August 2006 look likely to be missed”. (See panel below) He went on to say: “Over two million heavy goods vehicles a year carrying vital exports and imports currently stagger through the city to the Port of Dublin. This volume is increasing by 5% each year to keep up with trade growth. Each growth phase has had to be accommodated on the same narrow exit / entry routings to the Port”. “Yet, there appears to be no urgency at Government level or at the NRA to rapidly implement the known solution”. The IEA statement concluded by calling for Minister for Transport Martin Cullen T.D., to immediately sit down with the NRA and finalise details for the immediate opening of the Tunnel. An opening in early August, according to the IEA, will enable a testing of the Tunnel before the full traffic of September when “schools open” commences. In conclusion John Whelan IEA Chief Executive stated: “Exporters need the Dublin Port Tunnel to be opened immediately to improve the productivity of their transport and stack systems. However, this does not mean all HGVs using the port must go down the tunnel, in particular those wishing to access the port from the southern side. The objectives must be to improve productivity and efficiency of the supply chain for exporters. Forcing unnecessary mileage and congestion onto HGVs when the Port Tunnel finally does open is not the solution. I appeal to the Dublin City Transport planners to open the Port Tunnel first, study the HGV traffic patterns that emerge, and then plan for the most efficient routings for all city and port users”. ENDS
For further information contact: Mr. John Whelan, Chief Executive, IEA Tel: 01-661 2182 Mobile: 087 927 1243 When will the Port Tunnel Open? “When it is open in 2004, the Dublin Port Tunnel will take 9,000 heavy goods vehicles off the streets of the city every day”….Lord Mayor, Cllr Michael Mulcahy, at the start of boring operations in May 2002. “The project is currently approaching 70% completion. The fit-out of the tunnel will continue until completion, which is scheduled for late Autumn 2005” …Dublin City Council, August 2004. “The primary construction work on the Port Tunnel is expected to be completed in December 2005 and that the tunnel will be open to traffic early in 2006” …Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, June 2005. “Update of the opening date for the Dublin Port Tunnel is: Summer 2006” …Dublin City Council, May 2006. |
| Press Releases - 2006 |
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