Vol. 237 No. 9
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the cessation of public lighting in the hinterland of Rathdown, County Dublin, some considerable time before first light; and if he will ensure that public lighting is kept on for the safety of school-going children, pedestrians and motorists going to their places of employment.
64.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the cessation of public lighting in the Borough of Dún Laoghaire after 7 a.m.; and if he will ensure, now that European standard time has been introduced causing a lengthening in the hours of morning darkness, that public lighting is kept on to facilitate school-going children, pedestrians and motorists going to their places of employment.
I propose with your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 63 and 64 together.
The hours during which public lighting is provided are entirely the responsibility of the local authorities concerned. I am, however, informed that at present Dún Laoghaire Corporation provide public lighting up to 8.45 a.m. and that Dublin County Council propose to review their practice at their meeting on today, Thursday, 28th November, 1968.
65.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the National Building Agency built houses in Fancourt, Balbriggan, County Dublin, and provided no street lighting in the estate; and that people are in residence in these houses for more than two years; and if he will have the matter investigated and the lighting provided at the earliest possible date.
I understand that the provision of street lighting in the scheme of houses provided by the National Building Agency at Fancourt, Balbriggan, County Dublin, is, at present, under consideration and that it is hoped to be in a position to give a decision in the matter at an early date.
Could the Minister say by whom it is under consideration? Is it under consideration by the National Building Agency who built these houses but who provided no lighting in the scheme?
It is under consideration by the Agency, and whether the cost will be to the account of the Agency or of Dublin County Council is a matter to be considered by the two bodies concerned.
Can the Minister see any reason why the County Council should be asked to bear the cost of lighting in this particular scheme?
I do not wish to decide one way or the other. The fact is that the Agency's plans and specifications did not indicate that public lighting would be included.
Does the Minister consider it reasonable that these people have had to do without lighting for more than two years? Can he say why it has taken so long?
