The National Roads Authority (NRA) has rejected allegations that it put the public at risk by keeping Dublin's Port Tunnel open despite the failure of safety systems.
The NRA was responding to a Prime Timeprogramme, broadcast on RTÉ last night, that claimed tunnel operators Transroute often contravened safety guidelines by refusing to close the tunnel when problems with ventilation fans and cameras arose.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Irelandtoday, NRA spokesman Hugh Cregan said safety was paramount and denied that tunnel operators had "acted inappropriately" when fans or cameras failed.
"Tunnel safety is an absolute priority for us. We simply don't compromise safety," he said.
The NRA would be happy to go before a Dáil committee to reiterate and guarantee its dedication to safety, he said.
Mr Cregan said there are 100 cameras in the tunnel. He said that on both instances cited in the programme when cameras were out of commission, a patroller equipped with radio communication was stationed in a patrol vehicle to monitor the area. "That was the absolute appropriate response to take," he said.
On ventilation, Mr Cregan said there were sufficient back up fans to ensure safety if two failed. While the situation was not ideal, there was no risk to public safety, he insisted.
Mr Cregan denied that operators had contravened the operational manual. He said it states that when problems arise, the NRA and Transroute are consulted and the "appropriate" response is taken.
Earlier on the same programme, Fine Gael transport spokesman Fergus O'Dowd called for the NRA to be brought into the Dáil next week to answer questions on safety. He also demanded Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey be held accountable for the €750 million project.
"If it's not working efficiently, we need to know why it's not working efficiently, and we need transparency and accountability," Mr O'Dowd said.
The Labour Party's Tommy Broughan demanded clarification from Mr Dempsey on the allegations of security breaches. "I raised this matter three times during the last week in Dáil Éireann with Minister Dempsey and Tánaiste Brian Cowen," he said in statement. "But both ministers refused to order an immediate safety review as I had requested."
Employers' body Ibec said yesterday that unplanned closures of the tunnel were causing major difficulties for commuters, hauliers and businesses. The tunnel was closed for over eight hours on Wednesday due to a malfunction in its electronic systems, resulting in severe traffic gridlock across the north of the city.
The NRA and Dublin City Council have said they will take legal proceedings against the tunnel builder Nishimatsu-Mowlem-Irishenco over repeated systems failures, which they claim have led to frequent closures.