Vol. 575 No. 1
15 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his success to date in resolving the difficulties presented by road and rail traffic converging on the M50 roundabout; if it is intended to give preference to road or rail traffic at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27773/03]
40 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to make a final decision on the various proposals submitted to him for dealing with problems at the Red Cow Roundabout both in regard to LUAS and road traffic generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27828/03]
52 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is considering the introduction of new bus corridors on the approach roads to the Red Cow Roundabout which could ensure that buses and coaches would be able to proceed through the junction with minimum delay; and if he will consider such a traffic management solution to improve capacity through the Red Cow Roundabout as an alternative to the proposed raising of the Luas onto stilts at the junction or the National Roads Authority proposal to upgrade the junction as part of a widening of the M50. [27800/03]
53 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport his plan for the Luas intersection at the Red Cow Roundabout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27689/03]
180 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his preferred options for the resolution of the likely congestion of road and rail traffic merging at the Red Cow Roundabout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28024/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 40, 52, 53 and 180 together.
The M50-N7 Red Cow roundabout frequently caters for road traffic volumes in excess of 100,000 vehicles per day. This volume of traffic gives rise to extensive queuing at peak times both on the M50 and the N7. As part of its plans for the upgrade of the M50 and to achieve major improvements in key traffic movement, I understand from the NRA that it is developing proposals for the upgrade of the M50-N7 and has had discussions with the Railway Procurement Agency in that regard. I have had detailed discussion with the NRA and the RPA with a view to ensuring an integrated response addressing traffic congestion at the junction and facilitating effective operation of Luas. I am satisfied that proposals now being rescued by the NRA will cater for free flow road traffic movements, including south bound traffic on the M50 wishing to travel towards Naas, and will seek to significantly reduce conflicting traffic movements which are a major constraint at the Red Cow interchange.
