Irish broadcaster RTÉ has obtained information under the Freedom of Information Act that estimates the cost of repairs to property damaged by the construction of the Dublin Port Tunnel (T&TI, September 2004, p10) to be Eur1.1M (US$1.4M).
Dublin City Council has received over 1,500 complaints related to construction activities for the 4.5km long twin tube tunnel. Contractor Nishimatsu used a Herrenknecht TBM to bore the tunnels.
Over 41% of complaints received by the council were about noise. Complaints were also made about vibration, out of hours working, dust and rats.
Most of the cost is due to over 200 property damage complaints such as cracks, jammed doors and broken glazing. Residents believe there will be even greater bills to follow, but the council told RTÉ the damage is cosmetic and should not cost more than the estimated sum to redress.
