asked the Minister for the Environment the steps, if any, he proposes to take in relation to public roads in housing estates, community development and the provision of local amenities in order to minimise the stolen car problem in Dublin; if, in the wake of the terrible accident at Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, in which two children were killed and a third seriously injured by a stolen car he will make a statement on the matter and in particular if he will give the reason for the delay in issuing regulations governing the provisions of ramps and bollards under the Dublin Transport Authority Act, 1986.
Written Answers. - Car Stealing.
87.
I was greatly saddened when I learned that two children had been killed and a third seriously injured in Ballyfermot recently when a stolen car went out of control. The accident is being investigated by the Garda. I wish to extend my sympathy to the relatives of the children in question.
Regarding the general issues raised in the Deputy's question, the primary responsibility for the proper layout and design of roads in housing estates and for the provision of local amenities and community development facilities rests with local authorities.
My Department has specifically advised local authorities that roads in housing estates which they themselves provide should be designed to suit prevailing circumstances having regard to expected traffic volume. The authorities have also been encouraged, in the interest of road safety, to limit access from such housing estates to main traffic arteries.
There has been no undue delay in making regulations to give effect to section 32 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act, 1986, which provides for the installation of road ramps and the erection of bollards. In this connection, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 191 of 14 October last which sets out the present position in relation to road ramps. The same position applies to bollards.