Vol. 306 No. 12
asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the present traffic situation in Rathmines, Dublin; and if he has any proposals to improve the situation, with particular regard to the abolition of single yellow lines and double yellow lines, which are preventing the parking of cars in certain parts of the Rathmines area.
4.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he has received any representations from the Rathmines Traders' Association on the general traffic position in the Rathmines area, Dublin, and its estimated effect upon the business activities of traders in the area.
5.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that, due to the congested traffic conditions in Rathmines, Dublin, approximately £1,000 per day is being lost by the traders in the Rathmines area, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 3, 4 and 5 together.
Decisions as to locations in which parking is prohibited or restricted are matters for the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána and the local authorities—in this case Dublin Corporation—acting in consultation. I have no power to effect changes of the nature suggested by the Deputy. Representations received in my Department some time ago on parking restrictions in the Rathmines area were transmitted to the responsible authorities for their consideration. I understand that following re-examination of the area by officers of the Corporation and the gardaí, a deputation from the Rathmines Traders' Association were informed by the Dublin Traffic Sub-Committee that the existing parking restrictions could not be relaxed without serious interference with traffic flows but that consideration would be given to acquisition of a site for a car park in the area.
I appreciate that the Minister may have no powers in the area but he is not without influence. Would he consider expressing to the local authority his concern for the way in which this particular inner city suburb is experiencing the effects of substantial suburban growth? Would he ask the local authority, on behalf of the traders in the area, to expedite a serious study of the area because that has not been done to date?
The corporation officials concerned have had a recent consultation with the Garda Síochána. The result of that is that it would interfere with the flow of traffic there. I added that the corporation were considering the acquisition of a site for a car park in the area.
I appreciate that the Minister cannot be expected to understand the details in every case, but a meeting with the group does not necessarily mean that the item is substantially studied. Would the Minister consider asking Dublin Corporation, in view of the fact that Rathmines stands between substantial suburban growth in Tallaght and the centre of Dublin and is experiencing unique pressures of traffic, to look at the matter afresh and in the light of the overall situation in the Dublin area?
I will consider what the Deputy has asked me to do, taking into account also the fact that they are prepared to provide a car park in the area.
They have been considering such an acquisition for a long time. If they make application to the Minister to purchase such grounds for a car park will the Minister sanction it?
That is a separate question.
I will certainly give it very serious consideration and judge it on its merits.
