Dublin Port tunnel gridlock
Deputy Nolan called for a review of TII after night-time closures caused major congestion at Dublin Port tunnel and on approach roads. The Minister said she would raise the matter with the Transport Minister and asked him to engage directly with the Deputy.
The Irish Road Haulage Association has called on the Government to review urgently the operational role and effectiveness of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, following the latest examples of traffic gridlock at Dublin Port tunnel. Following a series of night-time closures at the tunnel, unacceptable delays and congestion were experienced at peak times due to the mismanagement of traffic flow by TII. This, of course, has led to traffic being backed up on the M1, the M50 and all approach roads, which results in excessive delays for all motorists. For the HGVs it means missed connections and delays in the delivery of goods, which can cost businesses.
There are also major issues in respect of how TII imposes its toll fees for HGVs, leading to many firms paying for 13 months in a 12-month period. This is an enormous issue. We must ensure the Government intervenes, listens to the hauliers and acts accordingly, and does not leave it in the hands of TII alone because it is an issue of national importance and of importance to our economy.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy. The Irish Road Haulage Association is a great organisation with which the Deputy and I are both familiar. Hauliers are hard workers who just want to get on with their jobs, and I acknowledge that. I will bring the Deputy's point to the attention of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Ryan. I will ask him to engage directly with the Deputy.