Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2013
162. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will implement the banning of HGVs on Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9, between 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. which are school peak opening and closing times. [22016/13]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that neither my Department nor An Garda Síochána have responsibility for the introduction of road traffic regulations or other such restrictions on Heavy Goods Vehicles.
Insofar as the enforcement of existing restrictions are concerned, the Deputy will be aware that the H.G.V. cordon area for the Dublin City Centre does not include any area north of the East Wall Road and its intersection with Alfie Byrne Road.
The Deputy will also be aware that the in-bound lane alone on Griffith Avenue, that is, from the Malahide Road in the direction of the Ballymun Road for the full length of the road in the direction East to West, is subject to a three tonne limit restriction. This restriction does not fully cover the outbound lane of Griffith Avenue. H.G.V.'s are allowed travel on Griffith Avenue from the Ballymun Road to the Swords Road Junction only. H.G.V's are not permitted to travel, West to East, from the Swords Road Junction to the Malahide Road or to turn left onto this stretch of road from the M1 inbound. 3 tonne notices are prominently displayed on the restricted stretches of road. I am informed by the Garda authorities that traffic calming measures are also in place at the Western end of Griffith Avenue.
I am further informed that vehicles above the three tonne limit are permitted to drive within the restricted area for the purpose of delivering to a location within the same area.
I am advised by the Garda authorities there are four schools on Griffith Avenue with pedestrian controlled traffic lights in place at these locations to enhance road safety. I am also assured that Garda enforcement operations are conducted regularly on Griffith Avenue to ensure that the restrictions are complied with. Divisional and Regional Traffic members continue to monitor this area and where breaches are detected the appropriate action is taken.
