Business group backs tunnel link to continental Europe

An 60km tunnel linking Ireland to continental Europe could be built by 2025 to boost international trade and competitiveness, a business lobby group said today.

The state’s largest business network, Chambers Ireland believes the ’Tuskar Tunnel’ between Wexford and Wales will be a fast rail link carrying cars, trucks and containers.

As a vital piece of strategic infrastructure, the underpass would provide easy access to and from Europe and lead to much cheaper exports and imports, Chambers Ireland director of policy Sean Murphy told the Oireachtas Transport Committee.

Mr Murphy warned that large container ships being built now will be too big for the English Channel. The vessels will be unable to access current major ports in Europe such as Rotterdam and this was an opportunity for Ireland to capitalise.

Chambers Ireland, which represents 59 chambers of commerce, believes the underpass would transform Ireland into a super-port for large-scale freight.

Mr Murphy admitted the futuristic tunnel was a long-term vision but was essential to improve trade access to European and international markets.

“It’s something that can happen given the political will,” he told committee members.

Progressive Democrats Senator Tom Morrissey said: “We are a peripheral island that relies on international trade and we need connectivity.”

Fianna Fáil TD Peter Power added: “History has shown us that connectivity in any shape or form is the way to go.”

Chambers Ireland said up to 75% of companies that responded to a Transport Users’ Survey carried out last year, regarded the tunnel as a good idea for business.

The Mori study sought the viewsof 600 senior business people.

Committee chairman John Ellis urged caution on the planning, design and commissioning of the project as the Port Tunnel was "a financial disaster".