asked the Minister for Local Government whether, in view of the increasing traffic congestion in the centre of Dublin, he will arrange for the acquisition of Collins Barracks as a site for the establishment of a Córas Iompair Éireann bus terminus for country buses, in lieu of the site now being developed near Store Street, and thereby obviate this traffic crossing the centre of the city; and, furthermore, if he will consider making the Store Street site available for the Great Northern Railways Company or the Dublin Port and Docks Board.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Bus Terminus.
I cannot reopen this matter as suggested. The Minister for Local Government has no statutory functions in relation to this development, save to determine an appeal against permission or refusal of permission for use of the site at Store Street by Córas Iompair Éireann. The question of the performance of such a function in this case did not arise, as the proposal was approved by the Dublin Corporation, as planning authority. The Minister has no statutory powers to acquire a new site or to make exchanges of sites, as suggested, for a bus station.
Does not the Parliamentary Secretary consider that the position of the present site for a bus terminus is most unsuitable and that it will be a tremendous nuisance? It is most unsuitable for outgoing traffic needs. Traffic will have to cross O'Connell Street on the main trunk line. It will mean that the present traffic jam across the city will be increased in the future.
As I have already stated, I have no statutory function in relation to this development. Therefore, the question of the performance of such a function in this case does not arise since the proposal was approved by the Dublin Corporation as planning authority.