asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that cattle in the Phoenix Park, Dublin are constantly straying on to the main roadway and are in consequence a grave hazard to the motorists, and if he will ensure that effective measures will be taken to deal with the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Phoenix Park Cattle.
16.
It is not feasible to prevent free-roaming cattle and deer from crossing the roads in the Phoenix Park. Their presence is well known; warning notices are displayed and users of the roads are expected to exercise extra care.
There are no cattle in the Park at present.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that tourists who use the roadways in the Park are not aware of the fact that cattle stray on to them? Is he further aware that the notices are not luminescent and cannot be seen at night?
I am aware of the fact that cattle have been kept in the Phoenix Park from time immemorial. Pretty well everyone knows that. One of the functions of the Park is to enable animals, such as cattle and deer, to be seen. I think it would detract from the general amenities of the Park if the cattle were removed. I also think that adequate warning is given to everybody of the presence of these animals.
I got a letter from a tourist who had a bad crash in the Park because of straying cattle and he asked me to bring this to the attention of the Minister. The tourist was never aware of the fact that there were cattle in the Park. He also stated that the warning notices could not be seen at night and I am now asking the Parliamentary Secretary to arrange for luminescent notices to be erected.
I shall have the suggestion examined, but I should like to remind the Deputy that, since it is a very large public park, it is logically to be expected that there will be animals in the Park.
In Hyde Park in London there are no animals.
Is there not a 30 miles speed limit in the Park?
The cattle do not go at 30 miles an hour.