Road Safety Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2012

Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Questions (472)

Brendan Smith

Question:

472. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 460 of 9 October 2012, if his attention has been drawn to incidents on the weekend of 15 September 2012 on the N54/A3 Clones to Cavan Road in relation to antisocial dangerous driving practices such as private vehicle with a flashing blue light and civilians wearing high visibility jackets directing traffic off the N54/A3 on to a different route where initially persons travelling that route assumed it was an official checkpoint; if the concerns of the local community have been conveyed to him in relation to such dangerous practices along a busy arterial route including substantial ambulance traffic between Monaghan General Hospital and Cavan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44598/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is not aware of any reports of anti-social driving practices at the location concerned on the specific weekend referred to by the Deputy.

I am further informed that the activity referred to occurs on a stretch of road that traverses through County Fermanagh on the N.54/A3. Accordingly, road safety enforcement on that particular stretch of road is the responsibility of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). I am, however, assured that An Garda Síochána monitors traffic and performs static checkpoints at strategic locations on the proportion of the road in this State.

The Deputy will also be aware that a number of joint operations have been conducted by An Garda Síochána and the PSNI targeting anti-social driving practices on this road. I am advised by the Garda authorities that these operations will continue to be prioritised in the future.

I am further assured that An Garda Síochána and the PSNI maintain ongoing close liaison with local public representatives on both sides of the border in relation to this matter and have been proactive with regard to road safety enforcement measures in this area and its surrounds.