asked the Minister for Justice if an investigation has been made into parking facilities for the public at Rathfarnham Garda Station, Dublin; and, if so, the results of the investigation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Station Parking Facilities.
46.
I stated on 5th March, 1974, in answer to a similar question by the Deputy, that the Garda were not aware of any cause for complaint in relation to parking facilities in the vicinity of this station. There has been no change in the meantime. In a supplementary question on that occasion the Deputy referred to an open plot of ground in the vicinity of the station which could be developed as a car park. I understand that this land is the property of Dublin Corporation and any question of its being used for such a purpose would be a matter for them. It is clear, however, that the Garda do not consider that there is any reason why they should request the corporation to make the plot available as a car park.
Is the Minister aware that, adjacent to the Garda station there is to be built a bridge and that considerable road-widening work is to be carried out there also, incorporating roundabouts and one-way traffic for Rathfarnham village? Is he aware, also, that since a new bridge has been completed elsewhere, this proposed work can go ahead and would he not agree that when the necessary diversions of traffic take place the parking of cars outside the Garda station could create a very serious obstruction? Therefore, would the Garda not consider negotiating with the corporation regarding this plot?
The Deputy is referring to major road traffic reconstruction of which I am not aware. I have no doubt that if the new roads are to change the situation, both Dublin Corporation and the Garda will come together to ensure that the Garda parking arrangements will harmonise with the new road arrangements.
Would it not be more sensible to begin preliminary work now such as levelling and preparing the site?
The Deputy is widening the scope of the question.
It has been declared by the local authority that the coming into operation of the new bridge will mean that work on this other bridge can go ahead.
Primarily this is a matter for the local authority and I am confident that the Garda will co-operate with them.