Vol. 235 No. 3
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that there have been 200 accidents on the Swords road, County Dublin within the past 12 months; and if, in view of this, he will have this thoroughfare specially examined with a view to the provision of speed limits, regular traffic patrols, adequate public lighting and traffic lights where necessary.
17.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the great traffic danger to pedestrians on the main Dublin-Swords road in the vicinity of Collinstown Cross and Turnapin Lane, Cloghran, County Dublin; and what plans the local authority have in mind for the provision of pedestrian crossings and adequate lighting for the control of traffic in this neighbourhood.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 16 and 17 together.
I am aware that there have been a substantial number of accidents on this road. An Foras Forbartha is at present engaged on an analysis of accidents on all major routes, including this section of road. However, it is clear that the volume of traffic, being high in relation to the capacity of the road, is the major factor.
As to remedial measures apart from major road works, these are mainly a matter for the local authorities. Thus public lighting is the responsibility entirely of the local authorities. The provision of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings is a matter for the local authority concerned, acting at the request or with the consent of the Garda Commissioner. I understand that the need for pedestrian crossings at Collinstown Cross and Turnapin Lane has been examined and that it has been decided that in present circumstances the provision of crossings at these sites would not be warranted. I understand that the county council have certain proposals for traffic lights under consideration.
As regards speed limits, the present speed limits in Dublin city and county were reviewed only last year. They will be reviewed in the near future, and their application to this road, as well as to other routes, will be considered.
Does the Minister not agree that this road is of such a kind as not to be comparable with many, if indeed any, other thoroughfares throughout the country because of the heavy density of traffic it carries? In the light of that, is he satisfied that the local authority are acting with the expedition which he says is their responsibility in this matter? Is he satisfied that the local authority are doing what they should do and as urgently as they should?
I am making every effort to get them to speed up the improvements on this road. As I said, it is the authority who are responsible who have decided there is not a need for those pedestrian crossings at Collinstown Cross and Turnapin Lane. It is the authority responsible who have decided this, not the Minister for Local Government.
It is a new road they want.
Do I understand the Minister to say that there is a prospect of traffic lights at this point?
That is right.
Is the Minister aware of the position in relation to traffic lights, that from the time they are ordered and delivered at least 12 months elapse? Can anything be done to speed up the delivery time or to build up a store of them if we anticipate their use?
I will investigate that.
