asked the Minister for justice if he is aware of the large number of junctions, normally controlled by traffic lights in Dublin, which have had no operational traffic lights for several weeks; if the incidence of collisions at such junctions has increased; the additional cost of Garda manpower in controlling traffic flow at such junctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dublin Traffic Lights.
222.
As the Deputy is aware, the position has changed since this Question was put down. Traffic lights are again operating normally or, where they are not, they are expected to be so operating very shortly.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that ever since some traffic lights ceased to function in Dublin most major junctions were manned by the Gardaí at least over the peak periods. I am assured that they did all that was possible but that manpower was not available to do duty at all of the junctions all of the time.
While the number of collisions at such junctions which were reported to the Gardai has shown an increase over the number reported during a comparable period when the traffic lights were working, the Gardai do not know the total number of collisions involving motor vehicles that occurred as minor collisions involving only material damage are frequently not reported to them.
To compile a detailed costing of a non-recurring police function such as the manning of traffic junctions at a time when traffic lights are not operating would involve the Gardai in time-consuming work which could only be carried out at the expense of other more pressing duties. I do not consider that I would be justified in asking the Garda authorities to carry out such an exercise.