asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the dangers involved for pedestrians and cyclists travelling from Clonkeen Road and Johnstown Road, Dublin 18, via the new dual carriageway; if he will ensure that a pathway is constructed on the said thoroughfare similar to that provided at the Bray side of Johnstown Road along the dual carriageway; and if he will take action in the matter.
Written Answers. - Dublin New Dual Carriageway.
123.
My attention has been drawn to the points mentioned by the Deputy.
In 1986, Dublin County Council submitted a proposal to the Department to provide a footpath on the section of the N11 Cornelscourt-Cabinteely by-pass between Clonkeen Road and Johnstown Road.
My Department considered that, in the interest of road safety, a footpath should not be provided at this location and that pedestrians should be encouraged to use the existing by-passed road where traffic volumes would be much lower. A footbridge was provided at the Clonkeen Road junction and approval also issued for the acceptance of a tender for the construction of a pedestrian overbridge at Johnstown Road. These overbridges will provide access across the by-pass to the old Bray road.
In view of the provision of pedestrian overbridges, the general undesirability of having pedestrians use a heavily trafficked route, and the low pedestrian volumes involved, I do not propose to provide funds for a footpath at this location. The local authority has been advised accordingly.