Vol. 530 No. 3
240 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will request the Garda authorities to report on measures being taken at East Wall Road, Dublin 3, to enforce the ban on all heavy goods vehicles to ensure the safety of the rail bridge which carries the DART. [3629/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the railway bridge at East Wall Road has been struck approximately 25 times by heavy goods vehicles in two years and that serious concerns have been raised that if struck again, there may be a danger of injury to pedestrians, vehicular and railway traffic.
As the Deputy is aware, the gardaí have introduced a three tonne limit on traffic at this location. Height restrictive gantries were also erected on either side of the bridge to prevent heavy goods vehicles from actually reaching the bridge. I understand that a number of heavy goods vehicles and buses have disregarded these restrictions and that the gantries were demolished by being struck, and a number of drivers have subsequently been arrested. I am further informed that gardaí from Store Street and Fitzgibbon Street are maintaining a 24 hour protection on the bridge, pending the installation of new gantries, and that Bus Éireann and the Irish road haulage companies have been requested to have drivers take alternative routes.
I also understand that a plan of action for a replacement bridge, at an increased height, has been set in motion and is expected to be completed in seven to eight months.
