Vol. 248 No. 3
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will arrange that Dublin County Council and the Garda authorities review as a matter of urgency the current traffic entry and exit facilities at the shopping centre, Stillorgan, County Dublin, particularly to ensure that a free flow of traffic exists on the Kilmacud-Bray roads.
90.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will arrange that Dublin County Council and the Garda authorities as a matter of urgency review the whole traffic arrangements for entry and exist to the supermarket at Cornelscourt with particular reference to the need to ensure the free flow of traffic on the Bray Road; and when work will commence on the new Bray Road.
I propose with your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 89 and 90 together.
I am satisfied that the authorities in question are fully aware of their responsibilities and it would not be necessary for me, therefore, to issue any directions to them in this regard. They are also aware that the assistance of my Department is available towards the solution of any problems that may arise.
As regards the construction of the new Dublin-Bray road, I would direct the Deputy's attention to the reply given to a question put down by him on 11th February last. I am not in a position to say when work on the sections referred to in that reply will commence.
I am quite sure Deputy Andrews will agree with me that these two areas are on the major traffic artery. It is a classic example of bad traffic planning. The continuous chaos and frustration facing motorists who use the roads is worthy of the Minister's attention because the local authority do not appear to be doing very much about it.
This is the last question down to me today. Deputy Desmond has put down many questions about matters which are the direct responsibility of local authorities and, while I am prepared to answer all the questions put to me, many of the matters relate in the first instance to the local authorities themselves. I expect Deputies to direct their questions to the proper authorities instead of introducing questions about certain county councils and corporations here in the House. If every Deputy were to take the same attitude I would be here for a week or a fortnight answering questions.
Is it in order for the Minister for Local Government to give a lecture to the House?
It is ridiculous to reduce the value of Parliamentary questions by dealing with minor constituency matters which are in fact the direct responsibility of local authorities. All I can do is give encouragement; I cannot give directions in many cases.
If local authorities do not deal with the matters we have to raise them here.
