andMr. Lynch asked the Minister for Justice if he will state (a) the number of years that members of the Garda Síochána controlled traffic at Parnell Bridge, Cork, and (b) the reasons for withdrawing them from that duty; further, whether he is aware that the Cork Corporation at three meetings unanimously decided to ask the Garda authorities to replace them at the peak hours twice a day, but have been informed that they will not be put on duty at any fixed time, and, if so, if he will request the Garda Commissioner to reconsider his decision in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork City: Traffic Control.
Members of the Garda Síochána have controlled traffic at this bridge for about 25 years. Some time ago, however, it was decided that as there is now very little horse-drawn traffic over the bridge and as it is extremely difficult for Gardaí at either end of the bridge to co-ordinate their signals, their presence was only slowing down traffic and that they should be withdrawn for an experimental period. Gardaí still attended at special times, though not as pointsmen, to ensure a safe crossing for children and others.
In deference to the views of the Cork Corporation, the Commissioner has decided that pointsmen should be replaced at the bridge during rush hours.