Port Tunnel off-peak rate of €3 should apply for duration of rail disruption
Issued : Monday 31 August, 2009
Statement by Brendan Ryan TD
Senator Brendan Ryan, Labour Party Representative for Dublin North has called on the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, to look into the opening of the Port Tunnel to cars at the off-peak rate of €3 at all times following the collapse of the rail viaduct at the Broadmeadow estuary.
"Notwithstanding the additional buses that have been put in place to deal with the public transport crisis that has arisen, many rail commuters are finding that they have to take to their cars for a variety of reasons such as timing and flexibility.
“The opening of the tunnel in this way for the duration of the rail disruption would at least provide a cheaper alternative as a motoring option for those who normally use the rail service. A flat rate of €3 could be introduced during peak times. The current charge at peak-time is €12 and this is proving to be too costly for most motorists on average salaries, requiring a weekly outlay of €120.
"The €3 charge I am suggesting is not a new charge but is the charge which currently applies at weekends and after 10 pm at night. I believe the effect will be to encourage some motorists into the tunnel and relieve the traffic congestion which has been building in the last week and will continue to build in the coming weeks with schools and colleges reopening and late holiday takers returning to work.
"With up to 20,000 commuters per day previously using the rail service, traffic in North Dublin could grind to a halt even if only a small number of these revert to their cars. The solution that I am proposing needs to be looked at as even the substitute bus services will put extra pressure on the road system.
“Without the use of the tunnel, motorists coming from North Dublin and County Louth are going to face long delays. Everything needs to be considered."
