Richard Bruton
Ceist:11 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment the reason for the decision not to finance more advanced traffic control systems in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Traffic Control Systems.
The most advanced traffic control system available is known as adoptive urban traffic control. Phase 1 of such a system was installed earlier this year in Dublin on the initiative of Dublin Corporation and my Department. This phase incorporates 32 sets of traffic signals from Pearse Street through Tara Street, Beresfort Place, Gardiner Street and Amiens Street to Annesley Bridge. This work, which cost £1.7 million, attracted a grant of £1.2 million from the Department.
Arising from discussions last month between the Department and the local authority, the authority have been requested to furnish a report containing an evaluation of Phase 1, and outlining proposals for an extension of the system on a phased basis. The authority have been informed that the Department will be prepared to consider proposals for the extension of the system over a reasonable number of years, on the basis of 25 per cent of the cost being financed from local authority resources and the balance from the Department.
May I ask the Minister if he would agree that the remaining 400 traffic lights junctions that require fitting are likely to provide a greater social and economic return from this provision than the traffic lights which are already heavily congested? Would he not agree, therefore, that the requirement of 25 per cent local funding would be somewhat onerous on the local authority whose own resources are very stretched?
It is generally agreed that the existing system of Phase 1 is now fully operational and has led to a considerable improvement in the recent traffic congestion. An increase of approximately 10 per cent to 15 per cent in traffic capacity has resulted from Phase 1. The Deputy is right in saying that a large number of traffic lights will have to be replaced eventually and the cost is substantial. I think it will be in excess of £10 million. We are agreeable in principle that it should be put in place. It is reasonable to say that a contribution of 25 per cent from the local authority is not that onerous in the circumstances.