Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Operations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

195 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure the free flowing of traffic in the greater Dublin area throughout the Christmas shopping period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28041/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

The 8th Operation Freeflow will operate from 1 December 2003 to 5 January 2004. It is a multi-agency initiative led by the Garda with involvement from the Dublin Transportation Office, the four Dublin local authorities, Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, the Railway Procurement Agency, PAMBO, a private bus operator representative body, and the Dublin City Business Association.

Operation Freeflow aims to ensure the ease of movement for all modes of transport, with limited disruption to the network and improved access to the city by public transport. Methods of achieving these objectives will focus on four main strands:

Operation Freeflow will have a dedicated website and a freeflow hotline number that members of the public can ring regarding traffic emergencies. Gardaí will liaise with the major city centre car parks to ensure improved access for motorists.

As many as 140 extra gardaí will be deployed to maintaining clear junctions and ensuring free flowing traffic and to increase enforcement of illegal parking and loading, with special emphasis on junctions, cycle lanes and bus lanes.

To keep traffic moving there will be no new utilities road openings allowed during the freeflow period and all existing works must be completed by 1 December. The RPA will work closely with the local authorities and the Garda Síochána when agreeing the works or site deliveries that must continue.

There will be increased capacity on Dart services in the off peak; and increased frequency of Dublin Bus services on all corridors; also during a two week period in mid December, Dublin Bus will run a Nitelink half price promotion; and late night services run by private operators will be advertised on the freeflow website.