asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that some of the traffic islands in the city of Dublin are so designed as to represent an additional hazard to users of the highway and that, in particular, many of them cause what appear to be two-lane roads to be reduced effectively to something over one lane but considerably less than two; and if he will ask Dublin Corporation to review the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Traffic Islands.
4.
I am not so aware. The provision of traffic islands or channellisers is one of the measures adopted by road authorities to promote the smooth, safe flow of traffic and to assist pedestrains in crossing busy streets. It is a matter for the authority concerned to keep the operation of these measures under review to see that they are achieving their purpose. The Deputy's question will be brought to the notice of Dublin Corporation.
Is the Minister aware that recently the corporation installed a bridge opposite Fairview Park and that has eliminated one of the islands? This bridge has been extremely successful and of course it is 100 per cent safe. Would the Minister ask the corporation to consider providing more of these where it is appropriate and possible to do so? Would the Minister, in particular, draw the attention of the corporation to the danger of accidents and the number of accidents that have actually occurred at the Five Lamps as a result of what would appear to be a faulty construction of the traffic island? I witnessed one accident involving a former Member of this House caused primarily, I think, by the way in which the traffic was directed.
I will bring the Deputy's point of view to the notice of Dublin Corporation.
I hope the Minister will not bring to the attention of the corporation that every traffic island should be replaced by a bridge.
I did not suggest that.
I will bring the Deputy's point of view to the notice of the corporation.
I said where it was appropriate and possible.