asked the Minister for Finance the number of cars used in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, in a recent period as compared to a similar period ten years ago.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Phoenix Park Traffic.
39.
The information requested is not available to me as it has not been the practice to keep records of the volume of traffic using the Phoenix Park.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary consider keeping these records in the future because future planning must take these into account?
Mr. Kenny
This is not under consideration as yet. The keeping of records occurred on one occasion only and that was when students from Bolton Street were carrying out a survey of the Park. That was the only time in the history of the Phoenix Park such a survey was carried out.
I am sure the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that it will not be long before the Phoenix Park is in the centre of the city. Satellite towns are being built on the west of the park and there is a danger that the park roads will become busy public thoroughfares to the detriment of the amenities there.
Mr. Kenny
I understand that. I have read up about the new roads that will be constructed to the west, the north and the north-west. The increase in the volume of traffic going through the Phoenix Park will be the same proportion as the increase in the number of vehicles registered in Dublin.
And places west of the Phoenix Park?
Mr. Kenny
Places west and north-west.
I should like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary if he would inform us where he got the information about roads leading to the west and north-west? He has informed us that he read up about these roads but we have failed to get that information in the House.
Mr. Kenny
If the Deputy reads the findings of the Bolton Street students he will find the information there.
We cannot get that information from the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary is telling me to approach the students of Bolton Street for it.
Mr. Kenny
The Deputy will have to take pains to find out something of this nature. The Deputy should remember that he will get nothing without a sacrifice in this House.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that many of the Dublin Corporation road plans are altered from time to time? For this reason has the Parliamentary Secretary any assurance that this plan still stands? The one on the south of the park does not.
Mr. Kenny
Dublin Corporation are in charge of these plans and the Deputy knows well that we are awaiting the finalisation of these plans to put into practice what we have preached about the Deputy's pet, the golf course in the extension. This is really the fault of Dublin Corporation. That body will not finalise their plans for the roads.
40.
asked the Minister for Finance the amount of land that has been damaged in the Phoenix Park as a result of horse traffic.
Mr. Kenny
It is estimated that about 50 acres of the Phoenix Park are at present damaged to a greater or lesser degree by horses. The damage arises principally in wet weather and consideration is being given to restricting horse-riding at such times.