asked the Minister for Justice whether his attention has been drawn to a recent report that the judge presiding at Waterford Circuit Court required that the traffic in the street outside be stopped during the sitting of the court, and that traffic was in consequence diverted; and if, in view of the great inconvenience which this diversion caused to people using the street concerned, he will state under what authority the traffic was stopped; and what steps he will take to prevent a recurrence of this incident.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Traffic Stoppage during Circuit Court Sitting.
96.
I have seen the report in question.
On the occasion, the traffic was diverted from one of the streets outside Waterford Circuit Court for a period of about 15 minutes. This was done as an exceptional measure owing to the inaudibility of a particular witness to enable the court to proceed with the case then at hearing. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that very little inconvenience was caused to road users and that no complaints have been received by them concerning the matter. I am satisfied that the Gardaí acted in the best interests of the community on the occasion.