asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the substantial increase in the number of heavy trucks using the Dublin-Drogheda road; and if he has any plans to reduce the danger and delays caused by such vehicles travelling in convoy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin-Drogheda Truck Traffic.
18.
I am aware that there has been some increase in the number of heavy vehicles using the Dublin-Drogheda road. Schemes for the improvement of the road, as I am indicating in reply to a separate question, are being carried out or are being planned by the road authorities concerned. As regards driving in convoy, section 88 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, enables the Garda Commissioner to make bye-laws for the general regulation and control of traffic. I would also refer the Deputy to section 52 of the Act, which makes it an offence to drive a vehicle without reasonable consideration for others.
Is the Minister aware that, over the past few weeks, the number of heavy trucks using the Dublin-Belfast road has increased very considerably and is likely to increase still more, following the cancellation of cross-Channel sailings from Drogheda and Dundalk, the decision being taken now to bring the materials from Dublin port to those towns? Would the Minister not make some effort to rectify the matter before another serious accident occurs on that road?
There are powers in the Road Traffic Act for the Garda Commissioner to make bye-laws in cases such as this.
Would the Minister make representations to his colleague, the Minister for Justice, who apparently is responsible for administering the law in regard to this?
Deputy Tully could do that.
It is not Deputy Tully's job: it is the Minister's job. I should be glad if the Minister would do his job.
They are becoming too arrogant. They are becoming so-called Ministers—to use his own word about the clergy.