Egis Road and Tunnel Operation Ireland, the company that operates the Dublin Port Tunnel on behalf of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly the National Roads Authority), has recently taken delivery of a new fleet of emergency vehicles comprising specially adapted Ford Transit and Transit Connect models. 

The new vehicles will work on a 24 hour basis, patrolling the tunnel, and in the case of an incident, will be available to respond and provide emergency assistance to users of the Tunnel.

The new Ford support vehicles were supplied by Lillis O'Donnell Ford and have been specially adapted by Swords Auto with emergency lighting and response equipment.

"Swords Auto has been looking after emergency services at the Port Tunnel for the past number of years and we have always relied on Ford vehicles for this important work," said Brian O'Neill, Managing Director of Swords Auto.  "These new emergency vehicles will help us to continue providing a first line of support for any incidents or accidents inside and in the environs of the Dublin Tunnel".

With a track record of more than 16 years, working in Ireland and across the UK, Swords Auto is the most experienced provider of emergency vehicle services on the Irish market.

Alan Connolly, Traffic Safety & Control Officer with Dublin Tunnel operators, Egis Road and Tunnel Operation Ireland, said: "Safety is of utmost importance in the operation of the Dublin Tunnel, so our teams need a fleet of emergency vehicles that they can rely on both to reassure our customers and to provide assistance in the event of an incident, that is why we are delighted to have this new fleet of Ford vehicles patrolling the tunnel".

Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland, said: "We recently celebrated 50 years of the Transit nameplate, highlighting the huge contribution of the Ford Transit to the economy in Ireland since it first arrived here in 1965.  In this, its 50th year, it is great to see that the safety and wellbeing of users of the Dublin Tunnel, a key part of the city's road infrastructure, continues to be guaranteed by the very able and well tested Ford Transit".

The drivers who man the new Ford emergency vehicles receive special training in order to provide a first line of emergency help for any incidents they might encounter.  The vehicles are equipped with a range of emergency lighting to highlight the scene of an incident to oncoming motorists.  On board equipment also includes first aid supplies, fire extinguishers and a range of tools.