Sir, Mr Finian McGrath (December 19th) berated Dublin Chamber of Commerce for its" support of the Dublin Port Tunnel Project, and he cited certain environmental concerns.
Concerning traffic on East Wall Road, the simple fact is that the tunnel on its opening would reduce traffic along the residential section by over 50 per cent. This would result in a very significant improvement in air quality for the East Wall community through the reduction in emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, benzene and particulates. Mr McGrath can find this information clearly detailed in the Environmental Impact Statement.
Regarding the northern portal, the minor increase in nitrogen dioxide levels would still leave the levels substantially below the rigorous Irish standard derived from EC Directive 85/203/EEC. Notwithstanding this, the consultants are currently investigating measures to eliminate this minor increase.
Finally, the consultants in their detailed site investigation have found no fault zone in the area of the tunnel at the Fairview end. Consequently, Mr McGrath's assertion is unfounded. Yours etc.,
Project Engineer, Dublin Corporation, Dublin Port Tunnel, Project Office, ESB Polefield, East Wall Road, Dublin 3.