asked the Minister for the Environment the amendments he is making to the traffic and parking by-laws in order to implement the decision of the traffic sub-committee of Dublin Corporation regarding residential parking which was adopted in January 1981.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Residential Parking.
31.
The making or amendment of parking by-laws is a matter in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner, after consutation with the local authorities concerned. No proposals for amendment of the current Dublin by-laws are awaiting my consent.
32.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he proposes to introduce any legislation to regulate the parking of large juggernauts in residential areas.
Statutory power already exists in the Road Traffic Acts which enables the Garda Commissioner, after consultation with the local authority concerned and subject to my consent, to make by-laws in respect of any specified area for the control and regulation of the parking of vehicles on public roads. Such by-laws can be made in respect of different classes of vehicles and for different circumstances.
In view of the widespread concern about this problem which has developed in recent years, would the Minister consider circulating local authorities notifying them of the powers available to the Garda Commissioner and suggesting that they take up the matter with the local Garda authorities?
I understand that this matter is being actively taken up by a sub-committee of Dublin Corporation. Am I right?
But Dublin is not Ireland.
I know, but the same thing applies to other areas as well. I would think the Garda authorities are well aware of their powers under present legislation. I do not think there is any need to circularise them, if that is the suggestion. But, if I consider that there is a need, certainly it will be done.
The suggestion is not that the Minister might notify the Garda Commissioner. If anybody knows what power he has in this country I am sure it is the Garda Commissioner. The suggestion is that the Minister might consider circularising local authorities notifying them that the power is vested in the Garda Commissioner to make regulations in consultation with those authorities and with the Minister's consent. Very many of the local authorities do not seem to be aware of the fact that someone somewhere does have those powers. I am suggesting that the local authorities be notified.
If I find it is necessary, I will do it. Again I would be equally surprised if the local authorities were not aware of their powers in this matter.