The Dublin Port Tunnel has been approved by the Minister for the Environment, Noel Dempsey. Construction will begin at the end of next year. The tunnel project has been delayed for several years due to objections from residents in the North Dublin area. With almost two milion trucks passing through the city every year, this project is expected to considerably alleviate Dublin traffic congestion.
The notion of a tunnel road for Dublin Port has been in existence for over five years now but has been delayed due to public objections. A public inquiry has been held and an environmental impact statement drawn up and now the scheme has been given the go-ahead, subject to 14 modifications which are designed to prevent and reduce the environmental and construction impact of the project.
The tunnel will extend from the existing M1 Dublin-Belfast motorway at Coolock Lane in Santry. The three and a half mile route will be mostly underground with a little over half a mile over ground. The tunnel will finish up at the East Wall Road beside Dublin Port. A tolling system will also be put into operation for private users. It will cost £3 at peak times and one pound during off peak periods, but private commuters will only have to pay travelling into the port, not from the port.
Construction of the tunnel is due to begin at the end of the next year and should take 3 and a half years to complete. It is estimated that the tunnel will cost £204 million.
