asked the Minister for Justice if he will take steps to safeguard pedestrians in Dublin city who find it extremely difficult to cross one-way streets, particularly after 6.30 p.m. when traffic pointsmen go off duty.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Difficulties of Dublin Pedestrians.
25.
Garda pointsmen in the central city area do not go off duty until 7 p.m., from Monday to Friday inclusive. On Saturdays they are on duty up to 2 p.m. The situation is under review at present.
The Corporation have announced plans for the erection of a series of push-button, pedestrian-operated traffic signals on the route from the Grafton Street/Nassau Street junction to the O'Connell Street/Parnell Street junction, though experience may show that these signals will have to be turned off and control by pointsmen maintained during the normal busy hours.
Does the Minister not consider that pending the provision of what is suggested by the Corporation, he should ensure that pointsmen are retained on duty from 7 p.m. onwards? On Sundays there is considerable pedestrian traffic in the city; it is becoming increasingly crowded and pointsmen should be on duty. I urge some steps be taken to deal with the situation.
As the Deputy is probably aware, there is some difference of opinion about this matter. It is considered in some quarters that traffic density after 7 p.m. is not such as to require continuous supervision by pointsmen. However, as I have said, the whole situation is under review.