Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 6

Written Answers. - Western Parkway Toll Bridge.

Jim Mitchell

Ceist:

165 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the site of the new Western Parkway toll bridge on the Liffey Valley between the Strawberry Beds and Palmerstown, Dublin 20, is very windy; if he has satisfied himself that, in periods of very high winds such as existed last week, the design of the bridge is such as to ensure absolute safety for crossing vehicles; if not, the wind shields which are proposed to be added to the bridge before its expected opening next month; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

I understand that the local authority has engaged a consultant to assess the likely effects of strong winds on traffic using the bridge and to evaluate the threshold wind speeds at which various vehicular restrictions should be implemented. The consultant has now reported to the authority who are considering the report with a view to deciding the appropriate regime of restrictions, if any, to be operated on the bridge.

I also understand that, at present, there are no plans for the provision of wind shields on the bridge.