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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 Jun 1965

Vol. 216 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Traffic Junction.

41.

asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the considerable difficulty which pedestrians have in trying to cross Dawson Street, Dublin at its junction with Nassau Street since the introduction of one-way traffic in those streets and the removal of the garda on point duty there; and if he will take steps to restore the garda on point duty so as to minimise the danger and inconvenience to pedestrians.

A garda is on duty daily between 8.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the junction of Nassau Street and Grafton Street, which is only about 100 yards from the Dawson Street junction. His main duty is to interrupt the flow of vehicular traffic, at suitable intervals, to permit pedestrians to cross the road. As Nassau Street carries eastward-bound traffic only, the control exercised by that garda serves to convenience pedestrians along the street and in the portion of Dawson Street adjoining it.

The Garda authorities consider that it would be superfluous to have an additional garda on traffic duty at the junction of Nassau Street and Dawson Street. The flow of traffic has undoubtedly speeded up since the one-way system was introduced but the Garda arrangements provide for crossing by pedestrians, in groups, at frequent intervals. They say that the arrangements are proving satisfactory.

Would the Minister step out of his State car on some occasion——

I have done so.

——and try to traverse this junction himself?

Actually, I did it this morning.

I am glad to see the Minister survived the crossing. If he does not do something about it soon, there may be a by-election which may prove embarrassing to the Government or some member of the Government may be clipped trying to negotiate the junction. Seriously, I would ask the Minister to approach the Garda authorities again. My information and my experience is that the system is not working satisfactorily and certainly not providing a safe crossing for pedestrians.

I will have a look at it.

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