asked the Minister for the Enviroment the reason for the delay in sanctioning approval for traffic control arrangements at Caherdavin Lawn-Ennis Road junction, Limerick; if he is aware of the extreme urgency in relation to this requirement as the present situation is entirely unsatisfactory to the residents of Caherdavin Lawn and greatly impedes the traffic flow on one of Ireland's busiest roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Traffic Control.
5.
On 3 May 1985 Limerick County Council submitted to my Department three alternative proposals for a solution to the traffic problem at the Caherdavin Lawn Park junction with the Ennis Road, National Route N.18. The council's favoured solution was a roundabout. The other two solutions involved either traffic lights or a new one way exit via Cherry Avenue to Clonmacken Road.
In June the council were requested to give further consideration to the merits of the Cherry Avenue extension as a solution. However, the council requested that their original favoured solution, a roundabout, be reconsidered. As part of the reconsideration, a vehicle delay study and pedestrian counts were carried out by the council at this location in October at the Department's request. The results of the studies indicate that neither a traffic roundabout, traffic lights nor pedestrian signal are warranted at this location. Accordingly, on 1 November the Department asked the council to submit details and costs of the Cherry Avenue solution so that consideration could be given to this scheme for road grant purposes.