Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 3

Written Answers - Traffic Offences.

Joe Higgins

Question:

213 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West): asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ask the Garda Siochána to enforce the three ton weight limit on Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown, Dublin 20, which, according to residents, is flouted daily. [13899/00]

Joe Higgins

Question:

214 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West): asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions initiated with regard to breaches of the three ton weight limit in Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown, Dublin 20, in each of the years 1998, 1999 and 2000; and if convictions resulted in this regard. [13900/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 214 together.

The enforcement of the traffic legislation is a Garda operational matter and I have no statutory function in the matter. However, the concerns of residents regarding heavy goods vehicles travelling on Kennelsfort Road in breach of the three ton limit have been brought to the attention of the Garda national traffic bureau, Garda Headquarters, by my Department for any necessary action.

The designation of the road in question plus the erection of the three ton limit signs are matters for the local authority concerned, that is, South Dublin County Council and, again, I have no statutory functions in relation to such designation.

With regard to prosecutions, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there were no prosecutions in 1998 and 2000 to date. In respect of 1999 there were ten prosecutions in respect of breaches of the three ton limit and 25 persons were cautioned for breaches of the three ton limit. The result of these prosecutions is not readily available.

I have been assured by the Garda authorities that the enforcement of the three ton limit on Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown, is given a high priority by the Garda. Particular attention is paid to this matter by the community garda for the area, the gardaí from the traffic unit within the division and the gardaí from the traffic department in Dublin Castle.

I have been further assured by the Garda authorities that where vehicles are found to be in breach of the regulations appropriate action, including prosecution is taken.