Mary Upton
Question:215 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will arrange publication of the reasons behind the removal of bus stops (details supplied) following the intervention of the Garda. [14900/03]
Written Answers. - Public Transport.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, in relation to the first bus stop, the Garda Síochána instituted a review of the situation, in accordance with normal procedure, following the receipt of a complaint that the bus stop was in a dangerous position.
The Garda review found that the bus stop site posed a danger, given its close proximity to a traffic junction, difficulty of access to the stop by commuters due to parked vehicles, and the restriction on vision and visibility of a stationary bus posed to other road users. No other suitable alternative site was identified. As a consequence, in the interests of the safety of commuters and motorists, the bus stop was removed.
With respect to the second bus stop, I understand this was removed in order to facilitate the redesign and reconstruction of Dolphin's Barn Street, Cork Street and the new Coombe relief road. When these works were completed, consideration was given to re-siting the bus stop on that stretch of footpath on Dolphin's Barn Street from the junction of South Circular Road to Reuben Street. However, I am informed that it was not judged safe to do so, given the close proximity to a traffic junction, the safety of commuters waiting at the stop, restrictions on gateway access posed by a stationary bus, and restrictions on the vision of motorists posed by a stationary bus.