asked the Minister for Justice if he will make arrangements for a member of the Garda Síochána to be on duty at Walkinstown Cross, Dublin to ensure the safe passage of children going to and coming from school.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Walkinstown Cross (Dublin) Traffic Garda.
43.
The safe passage of children crossing roads when going to and coming from schools is primarily the concern of the local authority and the question of the appointment of a school warden at Walkinstown Cross is a matter for the local authority, with whom the Garda authorities are in consultation.
The amount of vehicular traffic, which is slow moving at this point, would not justify the appointment of a Garda pointsman.
Is the Minister aware that about 500 children have to cross this extremely dangerous crossing each day? Is he further aware that the Safety First Association have refused to allow a warden to be appointed there because they say that, with his limited training, his own life would be in danger? For that reason I am asking the Minister if, in the meantime, and until something is done to make the crossing safe, he will for the sake of the children ensure that a member of the Garda Síochána will be on duty there during the required hours?
The Commissioner of the Garda Síochána has taken this matter up with Dublin County Council and he is pressing the county council to employ a traffic warden.
That cannot be done because they are depending on the Safety First Association and they say it is not safe for a warden because of his limited training.
On that aspect, I shall certainly look into it.