Business representatives in Dublin have weighed in behind the Government's proposal to ban trucks from entering the city centre when the Port Tunnel is opened in 2005.
The Dublin City Centre Business Association said only 1 per cent of heavy goods vehicles using Dublin Port exceed the height of the Dublin Port Tunnel
"There is no justification for Irish taxpayers' money to be used to facilitate a small group of UK and Irish hauliers operating outside the norm," the group said in a statement.
Hauliers opposed the ban proposed by the Minister for Transport are to meet Mr Brennan today to discuss the issue.
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) yesterday called on the Minister to abandon what they called his "ludicrous" plans to ban large lorries from entering Dublin city centre after the tunnel opens. Otherwise the maximum permitted height for the tunnel must be raised, the group said.
It said the proposed ban - combined with the Dublin Port tunnel height restriction of 4.65 metres - would reduce competitiveness, increase pollution, increase traffic congestion, and increase costs for the consumer.
"The use of 'super-cubes' in Ireland will cut down on traffic and help reduce pollution. It will also reduce distribution costs for products that are sent throughout Ireland. For the Minister to ban them from Dublin Port makes no sense," said IRHA spokesman Mr Jimmy Quinn said.
"England is our biggest land trading partner and you can drive a 'super-cube' from Galway to John O'Groats and the only obstruction will be the Dublin Port Tunnel and the Dublin city centre," he added.
