asked the Minister for Local Government when traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing will be provided for Temple Hill, Black-rock, County Dublin; and if he is aware of the urgency of the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Traffic Lights and Pedestrian Crossings.
1.
Dún Laoghaire Corporation recently submitted an application to my Department for approval to charge the cost of providing traffic light signals at three locations in the borough, including the junction of Temple Hill and Monkstown Road, against their appropriate Road Fund grant allocation. The application is under consideration.
Can the Minister give me the location of the other?
I am afraid I have not got that here. I will send the Deputy a note.
2.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the urgent need for a pedestrian crossing at Maretimo Villas, Black-rock, County Dublin; and if one will be provided there as a matter of urgency.
The provision of pedestrian crossings is a matter for the local authority acting at the request, or with the consent, of the Garda Commissioner.
3.
asked the Minister for Local Government when traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing will be provided for Kill Avenue, at its junction with Bray Road, Foxrock, County Dublin; and if he is aware of the urgency of the matter.
Approval in principle to charging to their appropriate Road Fund grant allocation the cost of installing vehicle actuated traffic light signals with pedestrian facilities at Kill Lane junction was conveyed to Dublin County Council on 14th October last. The tender accepted by the county council for the installation, which was received in my Department on 9th April, is at present being examined. Subject to approval to acceptance of that tender, it will be a matter for the county council to proceed with the provision of the light signals.
Arising out of the reply to this question by Deputy Andrews, who is undoubtedly familiar with the conditions obtaining there, has the Minister borne in mind the acute problem that can arise on roads with heavy traffic during peak hours of traffic by the operation of pedestrian-operated lights on pedestrian crossing and, if so, would he consider recommending to the Commissioner that where it is deemed expedient to instal such pedestrian-operated traffic lights, they should be suspended during peak hours and a Garda put on duty at the crossings, so that the traffic of the peak periods might be allowed to proceed in an orderly way?
I am not aware that there have been any difficulties in this regard. Naturally this is something which is taken into consideration by the Commissioner in making his recommendation. I think the whole idea is to allow pedestrians to cross in peak traffic conditions. I can see that in some circumstances it might be desirable to do what Deputy Dillon suggests.
Perhaps the Minister would bear it in mind when discussing applications with the Commissioner.