asked the Minister for Local Government the nature of any proposals to provide a pedestrain underpass in the centre of Dublin city.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Pedestrian Safeguards.
10.
There are no proposals before me in this matter. I understand that Dublin Corporation have a report from their consultants on the provision of pedestrian facilities in the central city area and are considering a co-ordinated system of pedestrian crossings at intersections in that area.
11.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the heavy volume of traffic carried on the Swords Road, Dublin, through a densely populated surburban area where the young, the old and the infirm particularly are constantly at risk of serious injury and even death; and the steps he proposes to take to provide proper carriageways incorporating safeguards for pedestrians.
I am aware of the traffic problems on this road and that major proposals for improvement, including a by-pass of Santry, are now being developed by the road authority. In the meantime, provision has been made for traffic management measures by Dublin Corporation and Dublin County Council to improve the movement of traffic on the existing road.
Is there any proposal to construct a new central by-pass? This has been going on for a number of years but no progress has been made. It is coming to the point where people will not be able to get into the city because of the traffic on the roads.
As the Deputy is aware, confirmation of a compulsory purchase order was applied for on the 29th June, 1971. In the Motorways Act, 1974 it was provided that the compulsory purchase order in question be deemed to be a motorways scheme submitted to the Minister for approval under section 4. The Motorways Act is not yet in force as the necessary commencement order has not yet been made. This is under active consideration and it is expected that an explanatory circular will shortly be issued to all authorities. The next stage will be the holding of a public local inquiry by the Minister into all aspects relating to the scheme. Arrangements for the inquiry have not yet been made.