THE proposed port tunnel route was accorded a mixed reception from city councillors last night when they were given a detailed presentation of the scheme and an explanation of why the Dublin city manager was recommending the original route with modifications.
Some councillors were concerned that the route was being favoured as a low-cost option. They maintained that cost should not be decisive in such an important matter: they should get it right now.
Mr Ivor Callely TD said that the original A6 route was the one that had caused the most controversy because it was going through old Marino.
Other councillors believed that levels of noise and air pollution would still be too high, and were not convinced that the modifications were doing enough to improve the situation. Others, however, were satisfied that the modifications met the residents' legitimate complaints.
One member said there had been too much "scare-mongering" about the tunnel, with a claim that people would lose their lives; that was "disgraceful". They felt that the manager and his staff had met the residents' representations in a fair and reasonable manner.
The meeting was held to brief the members of the General Purposes Committee (which deals with roads) and the Planning and Development Committee, it was primarily an "information meeting" and the vote on the manager's recommendation will be taken at a full meeting of the council next month.
About 20 residents picketed the City Hall last night when the meeting was in progress. Some councillors said the residents should be allowed in to hear the presentation, but a two-thirds vote allowing this could not be achieved. The vote to admit them was 12-10.
The city planning officer, Mr Pat O'Donnell, said the port carried two-thirds of the national trade and the continuance of this depended on having a guaranteed access. The environment of the area was being affected by the present situation and something needed to be done urgently.
If the tunnel went ahead, he said, it would mean that many small "village-like areas", which were being rent asunder at present, would return to their proper standing: "This tunnel will put them together again."
The tunnel would improve overall environmental conditions, and ensure satisfactory air and noise levels.