asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the urgent need for a pedestrian or controlled crossing on Clonkeen Road at or near the entrance to Meadow Vale estate, Blackrock, County Dublin; and the action he intends to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Street Crossing.
9.
The installation of such crossings at a particular location is a matter for the road authority concerned, acting at the request or with the consent of the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána.
The same argument applies to this question as to the previous one. Surely the Minister has some information on the absolute danger on the Clonkeen Road, particularly at or near its entrance to the Meadow Vale estate, again in relation to pedestrians and, more particularly, to children. Is he aware that there is quite a volume of support for such a pedestrian crossing, either a controlled or zebra type, by the residents of the area?
Well, the local authorities have not done it; nor have they asked me for sanction to do anything about it. Again, it appears as if the council do not propose to do what the Deputy suggests. Perhaps it could be pushed at local level again. Most certainly the Department will not impede them if they are anxious to do it.
Would it be a matter for the local authority to process it through the Department of Local Government for their sanction? Is that what the Minister is suggesting, or is it a matter which the local authority can decide themselves?
Under the Road Traffic Act, 1961, the provision of traffic signals, which includes pedestrian crossings and traffic lights, is a matter for the road authority, acting at the request or with the consent of the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána. The Department's function arises only if the road authority request the use of Road Fund moneys to meet the cost of providing such facilities, and no such request has been received. Therefore, I do not know whether they propose to provide it themselves. But if they come to us, we will be prepared to receive them favourably.
If they do not provide it themselves, they will go to the Minister and, of course, he will give it his benediction?
I will receive it favourably.