asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to complete the programme of bus lanes for Dublin; and if he will ensure that the regulations governing them are observed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bus Lanes.
12.
I intend to continue with the implementation of bus lanes in the Dublin area. The routes which will receive priority examination with a view to developing bus lanes next year will be those linking the city centre with Bally-fermot, Drimnagh, Clonskeagh, Stillorgan and Whitehall. Bus lanes will also be implemented at city centre locations. In general, observance of bus lanes by non-bus traffic has been quite good. Garda efforts to reduce infringements to the minimum will continue.
I know the Garda have many duties to carry out but in some cases in Dublin the regulations governing the bus lanes are being abused. What steps can the Minister take to ensure that there is a motor cycle traffic squad to police the bus lanes? If the regulations are not enforced the bus lanes will meet the same end as the one in Fairview met in 1971.
I agree about the importance of Dublin motorists observing the bus lanes. The traffic department of the Garda have 250 prosecutions pending for infringement of these regulations. There may be more prosecutions at local Garda stations. The Garda are alert to the need to ensure that the bus lanes are kept clear.
Bus lanes for Dublin but no airport for the west.
The bus lane on the Northumberland Road is the subject of considerable abuse in the evenings. I ask the Minister to have steps taken to police it.
I will draw the attention of the Garda to that.
13.
asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the successful operation of bus lanes in Dublin, he will now introduce a similar programme for implementation in Cork city.
The Cork Land Use and Transportation Study (LUTS) was published in 1978. It recommended a programme of improvements in roads, public transport, parking and traffic management to service the needs of the Cork area into the nineties. Implementation of this programme is in progress.
As far as bus priority schemes are concerned, I understand from CIE that, deriving from the LUTS recommendations, a bus-only road has been provided at Albert Quay, development of two other bus priority schemes is at an advanced stage and installation of a computerised traffic signal system which will provide a degree of priority for buses is also in hands.
The LUTS study recommended a number of other bus priority schemes and as far as public transport is concerned I will keep myself informed on the implementation of these recommendations so that further initiatives may be taken as necessary.