asked the Minister for Local Government what steps are contemplated to ease the traffic congestion in Dublin city centre during the coming Christmas season, with particular reference to the operation of large public service omnibuses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin City Traffic Congestion.
6.
Bye-laws and temporary rules designed to improve traffic flow are made by the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána with my consent, and the enforcement of such measures is also a matter for the Commissioner.
A number of such provisions already apply to the central city area, for example, the system of one-way streets, the extensive restrictions on kerbside parking and the reservation of substantial sections of kerbside space for stops and stands for public service vehicles. I understand that the Commissioner does not propose to make additional bye-laws or rules for the present, but to intensify enforcement of the existing parking controls; the Garda also hope to secure, by suitable publicity, an improvement in the co-operation of the public in alleviating peak-hour problems.
I may add that serious obstruction to peak-hour traffic has tended, with the development of the central city one-way system, to move to the suburban radial routes. As a first step in dealing with this, clearways have, with my consent, been established with effect from 5th instant on the two suburban routes most affected.
Public transport will naturally benefit from the various measures I have mentioned.
Would the Minister invite the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána to make one small contribution to the solution of the traffic problem in the city by stationing a garda at the top of Dawson Street, at the intersection with St. Stephen's Green, between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. before there is slaughter of pedestrians at that point?
I shall convey the Deputy's suggestion to the Minister for Local Government.