asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that (a) the slip road at Fosters Avenue/Roebuck Road in County Dublin is a danger to the lives of persons using shop premises in the immediate vicinity (b) that Dublin County Council placed double yellow lines outside the entrances to these various shops and (c) that the yellow lines constitute an additional threat to the shopowners' livelihoods.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Road.
10.
I have received representations regarding the road conditions referred to by the Deputy. I have brought the matter to the notice of Dublin County Council, who are responsible for any remedial works which may be desirable.
The Minister will have received a letter dated 25th of June, 1976, from one of the businesses affected by the unreasonable attitude of the road engineers in Dublin County Council. Is he aware that this slip road is on a blind corner and that there is not, as a minimum, a stop sign on this slip road? Despite many efforts by myself, a number of councillors and the local people themselves to get Dublin County Council to change their minds and attitude in relation to this slipway, they remain intransigent. Is there anything the Minister can do as a minimum to erect a stop sign?
There is nothing I can do except inquire from the local authority. They have absolute authority over this. They get a block grant and they can use some of it to do work of this kind. I cannot direct them to do the work. As a former member of a local authority, I honestly believe that this is a matter on which the local representatives should exert a lot of pressure, if they feel it should be done.
Much pressure has been brought on the local authority but they appear to be immovable. Is the Minister aware that there are three businesses directly affected, firstly, by the slipway itself having regard to a dangerous location, and also by the recent application of double yellow lines outside these three businesses? This is a disgraceful situaation and that is why I brought it to the attention of the Dáil.
Order. This is Question Time.
Would the Minister undertake to make inquiries why Dublin County Council remain immovable in relation to this very serious problem?
I have already told the Deputy that I have made those inquries. I want to emphasise that it is just not possible for me to instruct the county council to do it. Otherwise, the Custom House could take over responsibility for all county councils.
I am bringing——
A brief supplementary question, please.
——this matter to the attention of the Dáil because the public representatives in the area have done everything possible to bring this matter to the attention——
That is not a question. Question No. 11.
Please, a Cheann Comhairle——
If the Deputy is seeking to elicit information I will assist him, but he is making speeches.
I am not making speeches. I am asking a final supplementary. Would the Minister agree that, having regard to the fact that local representatives and TDs have done all they can within the democratic process to bring this matter to a proper conclusion, the closing down of the slipway, the removal of the double yellow lines or the placing of stop signs as a minimum——
On a point of order, that is not relevant. I appreciate the fact that because it was raised here Dublin County Council may do something about it, but it is not my responsibility and there is no point in asking me to do anything about it. Deputy Andrews should not push his luck.
I realise the Minister's position and appreciate his aims. I hope that the people who read this report will take note of what the Minister says.
Order, please, I am calling the next question.