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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Mar 1966

Vol. 221 No. 10

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

40.

Mr. O'Leary

asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that since the introduction of one-way traffic on the quays at intersections at Parkgate Street and Blackhall Place, Dublin there has been a sharp rise in accidents; and if he will consider the introduction of traffic lights at these points.

The one-way traffic scheme on the portion of the Quays to which the question relates came into operation on 6th December, 1965, and from that date to 6th March, 1966, the Gardaí became aware of a total of eight accidents occurring at the junctions of Benburb Street/Blackhall Place, Benburb Street/Queen Street and Queen Street/Arran Quay. In the same period last year a total of nine accidents occurred at these junctions. As far as the Gardaí are aware, there were no accidents in those periods at the junction of Parkgate Street with the Quays and Benburb Street.

The junctions at Benburb Street/ Blackhall Place and Liam Mellowes Bridge (North side) have been selected for the provision of traffic lights and the Gardaí have sent a statutory request to Dublin Corporation to provide the lights at those two junctions. In addition, financial provision has been made by the corporation in their estimates for the coming financial year for the purchase and erection of traffic lights at all intersections on both sides of the Quays from Grattan Bridge to Seán Heuston Bridge.

In the meantime, all important intersections are controlled by Gardaí from 8.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Did the Minister not say before in answer to a question that an extra force of gardaí would be put on duty at Benburb Street?

That is what I am saying. Gardaí are on duty at all intersections.

But along Benburb Street, there was no garda on duty. I went along there quite recently and found no garda on duty. Buses come down this street where there is a very big block of flats and I think it is very dangerous.

That is a separate matter which I shall certainly look into.

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