December 2006

ESBIE Gives Light at the End of the Tunnel

The National Roads Authority has signed a multi million euro contract with ESB Independent Energy (ESBIE) for the supply of power to Dublin Port Tunnel, following a competitive tender process. 

The contract worth €3.5m, will provide over 25,000,000kWh of electricity over two different Tunnel Operations Buildings on the northside of Dublin City.  This equates to enough power to supply around 7000 households a year.

The two year deal will see 24/7 power supply for the 4.5 kilometer €752 million twin bore Tunnel linking Dublin Port with the M1, the national roads network and the airport.  This is the largest ever roads transportation project undertaken in the Republic of Ireland and the longest urban road tunnel in Europe. The Tunnel is expected to remove 6,000 trucks from Dublin city streets everyday.  The contract with ESBIE will provide electrical power for the tunnel from lighting to ventilation and traffic monitoring systems.

Speaking at the announcement Liam Molloy Managing Director, ESBIE said “Dublin Port Tunnel is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and a robust electricity supply is central to its smooth and safe operation. The tunnel will also make the use of best of breed intelligent lighting and central operations systems from CCTV to ventilation.  As a 24 hour critical service for the port and transport within Dublin the ability to safeguard supply of power is critical.”

For further information please contact:

John Conlon
ESB Independent Energy
Tel: 01 8867343
Mobile: 0871246779