A massive new housing developments in Dublin's docklands moved a step closer today after the Government cleared the way for a new €6.5 million tunnel to be built under the River Liffey.
Around 5,000 homes are planned on either side of the Liffey near to the East Link toll bridge with water, gas, electricity supplies and telecommunications being carried through the pipe.
Giving the go-ahead for the scheme, the Taoiseach Mr Ahern said it would bring life out of the city along the Liffey to Dublin bay.
"This project is another crucial link in an exciting rejuvenation of the docklands," he said.
"The scale of development in the docklands is such that the shape of Dublin between the canals is now changing fundamentally. Where previously city life stopped at the Customs House now it will continue eastwards along the Liffey to Dublin Bay.
"Historically we are living through the most important development in the City of Dublin since the eighteenth century."
The new service tunnel, which will carry water mains to the docklands and transfer wastewater from the north docklands area to the new wastewater treatment plant at Ringsend, will be located close to the Eastlink Toll Bridge.
The 240 metre-long tunnel will also carry district heating pipes, gas mains, electrical and telecommunication cables.
The Minister for the Environment Dick Roche cleared the way for the project under the Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 and it will service 4,915 housing units and 560,000m2 of commercial development.
PA