asked the Minister for Finance his views on the closure of certain roadways through the Phoenix Park, Dublin 7 along the Blackhorse Avenue side of the park; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these closures are causing hardship to elderly people living in this area as these roadways are used by ambulances and by these elderly people to travel to funerals; and if he will make a statement on these closures.
Written Answers. - Dublin Roads Closures.
74.
The roadways to which the Deputy is referring are known as the "Odd Lamp Road" and the "Polo Road", which were closed to vehicular traffic last August. The purpose of these closures was to bring land masses together for the enjoyment of the public, to lessen the impact of through traffic using the park and to reduce the number of junctions to the main road, where most accidents in the part occur. The phased closure of some minor roads in the park was a stated objective of the Phoenix Park management plan launched by the Commissioners of Public Works last year.
There are alternative routes available to traffic within the park and I cannot accept that the closure of the roads in question causes hardship to any section of the community.