TDs in plan for tunnel to save 100-yard street walk

Martin Frawley

The Department of Agriculture on Kildare Street, Dublin

An underground tunnel between Leinster House and another building on Dublin's Kildare Street is being proposed to shorten the 100-yard journey for busy TDs and senators.

Construction of the tunnel from the seat of parliament to Agriculture House – both of which are on the same side of Kildare Street – could begin this summer if it gets the go-ahead from a committee of TDs and senators who are currently considering the project.

Neither the Office of Public Works nor the Oireachtas could put a price on the project last week nor could they explain why it might be necessary to build a tunnel when the distance between the two buildings is less than 100 yards across closed-off roads.

The OPW said the tunnel would incorporate a direct access link between the two buildings "at below-ground level".

"Creating this link will involve minor structural adjustments to existing rooms and corridors at basement level in the two buildings and will not involve any major construction work," a spokesman said.

The project is part of the overall restoration works on Leinster House, which will restart when the Dáil rises for the summer holidays in early July and go on until late 2011.

Under a long-term plan for Kildare Street and the surrounding area, Agriculture House will become a permanent overspill for Leinster House. The building already houses the Emergency Planning control centre and there are plans to put a new media centre in the building also.

Fianna Fáil TD Michael Mulcahy, former Labour leader Pat Rabbitte and Fine Gael senator Paul Bradford have been selected to examine the feasibility, with the OPW, of the tunnelling project.

May 16, 2010

Comments

#1 antony commented, on May 16, 2010 at 8:50 p.m.:

A TUNNEL HA HA HA HA YES THE CELTIC TIGER HAS NOW WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT LEFT THE COUNTRY SO NOW WITH GREAT PRIDE WILL YE ALL PLEASE WELCOME YERE NEW MENTOR,,,,, HERE HE COMES THE CELTIC JACKASS well he has four legs and a tail , he kinda looks like a tiger does he not? ERAAH once ye paint the stripes on him ye wont know the differense, back to the fishing. c'mon pups

#2 Liam commented, on May 17, 2010 at 7:22 a.m.:

2 legs good 4 legs bad!

#3 De commented, on May 17, 2010 at 9:57 a.m.:

I am disappointed and disgusted that after the banks, Nama, the housing price crash, huge unemployment and thousands of public servants who were forced to take pay cuts the government appears to be worrying about keeping their hair dry. How do we get rid of this pack of wasters?

On second thoughts maybe it's a good idea; I certainly wouldn't trust them to cross the road unsupervised.

#4 Sean. commented, on May 17, 2010 at 6:18 p.m.:

It really is beyond either comprehension or indeed any rational argument,we as a country havent a pot between us yet these deluded donkeys want to build a tunnel at a cost of millions or given their track record "billins" so they can save their shoe leather on the arduous 100 yard trek,its now beyond depressing at this stage,something really needs to be done about our ruling elite,time I think,to take out the trash.

#5 c carroll commented, on May 17, 2010 at 9:35 p.m.:

i suppose this is so these tds like paul "the phoney conscience wresler" gogarty doesnt have to come in contact with the general public, well time is running out on them when hopefully they will receive their p45's

#6 Paddy De mucksavage commented, on May 18, 2010 at 2:27 a.m.:

I agree with Sean, 'time I think,to take out the trash'. It is truly time to drain the swamp of these moronic reptiles. I witnessed the passion that the greek people displayed as they protested at their government and the mess they have landed their people in through a combination of corruption, incompetence and (their equivalent of) gombeenism. I do not condone how far the greek people went, but it would be enlightening to at least see Paddy in the streets demonstating and demanding an election. It won't happen though, as Paddy sits back and as usual, takes the few crusts of bread that's thrown from the masters table, in this case the Fianna Fail cabinet table. Padraig Pearse, James Connolly etc. must be rolling in their graves.

#7 James commented, on May 18, 2010 at 4:25 a.m.:

Another example of senseless planning..I must fill out this form for my J1

#8 gemma commented, on May 19, 2010 at 4:32 p.m.:

there is a march on every Tuesday evening in Dublin city, EVERY TUESDAY at 7.30, the numbers are growing, the rumblings have begun. Contrary to RTE's reports, the marches are being well attended. Last night they had Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette throwing cake. How apt in view of the above story! If you are living in Dublin, lend your voice. Great speakers like Fintan O'Toole and Bobby Ballagh, I wouldnt be depending on RTE for any information guys!

#9 worker commented, on May 20, 2010 at 2:02 p.m.:

"Agriculture House will become a permanent overspill for Leinster House. The building already houses the Emergency Planning control centre and there are plans to put a new media centre in the building also."

They want to prepare their way out, in case of social unrest?

#10 phil commented, on May 20, 2010 at 9:23 p.m.:

Gonna be there Gemma!Booked my flight and took 3 days working leave,my only fear is 99%of Dub will still be stuck at home watchin Eastenders!..but I live in hope

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