asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the introduction of filter lights subject to pedestrian actuation would provide a better and safer traffic flow in respect of traffic proceeding from Saint Stephen's Green South to West and from Saint Stephen's Green East to South and whether he will have consideration given to the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin City Traffic.
16.
I understand that this matter is under consideration by Dublin Corporation.
I am delighted to hear that Dublin Corporation are at present considering this matter. However, I would urgently recommend——
The Deputy must ask a question.
I am asking the Minister will he see that Dublin Corporation implement the proposal contained in my question without any undue delay, because this at the moment is causing considerable inconvenience——
The Deputy may not make a speech.
I am not making a speech; I am asking the Minister will he see that Dublin Corporation implement the proposal in my question without any undue delay.
Is the Minister aware that the Deputy's remarks really amount to a vote of censure on Councillor Dowling?
I did not hear what Deputy Ryan said.
It is on the record.
17.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the inadequacies of Dublin city traffic arrangements which result in a growing number of traffic hold-ups and of the delay on the part of the authorities concerned in devising and implementing steps to relieve the situation; and if he will ensure that steps are taken as a matter of urgency to deal with the problem.
I am aware of the problem presented by increasing traffic in Dublin city. The authorities concerned are aware of the urgency of the problem and of my desire to have all practicable measures to relieve it implemented without delay.
It is clear that in the short-term the most effective measures will result from the maximum use of modern traffic management techniques in order to get the optimum use from the existing street system; indeed such measures will always play a significant part in dealing with the traffic problems of a city like Dublin. A number of interests are involved in the preparation and operation of traffic management measures and to ensure co-ordination and speeding-up of proposals a standing committee representing these interests keeps all proposals to improve traffic flow in the city under constant review. Proposals being implemented or considered include, in addition to the extension of the clearway system to all radial routes, extensions and modifications of one-way street systems, the provision of integrated systems of traffic signals in the central city erea, the provision of further off-street parking facilities, and the introduction of new forms of parking control. Furthermore, section 63 of the Road Traffic Bill contains a proposal designed to make parking control more effective.
A long-term solution, based on the provision of a modern, efficient street network, must largely await the completion and consideration of studies at present on hands and the settlement by the corporation of their planning objectives in their development plan. In the meantime a limited number of useful street reconstructions and improvements are in hands or planned.
Is the Minister aware that people are getting the feeling that we are spending so much time on obtaining expert reports and waiting so long for the results of these reports to be studied that the very problems being studied have disappeared or have grown out of all proportion by the time the studies are completed? Would the Minister ensure that day-to-day practical steps are taken to deal with the problems as they develop rather than wait for years for meaningless reports?
Most people realise this is a highly complex problem that requires detailed study if there is to be any satisfactory solution.