Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Dec 1990

Vol. 403 No. 4

Written Answers. - Dublin Traffic Management.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

196 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment the plans he has, if any, to limit the use of private motor cars in the centre of Dublin; if it is proposed to have a widespread ban on roadside parking on key city routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

The power to apply traffic measures to control the use of vehicles in Dublin city is vested, in the first instance, in Dublin Corporation acting with the consent of or at the request of the Garda Síochána. In applying such measures, the corporation must operate within the provisions of the Dublin Area Traffic and Parking By-Laws 1986 (S.I. 182 of 1986) made by the Garda Commissioner with my consent. These by-laws contain a number of parking controls which range from all day parking bans to time restricted facilities.

The Garda who are responsible for enforcing the parking regulations are greatly intensifying their efforts in this regard. The Garda tow-away service has been completely re-equipped and strengthened and is now making a significant impact on illegal parking which is disruptive to traffic flows in the city. Almost 6,000 vehicles have been towed away by the Gardaí so far this year. This amounts to a fivefold increase on the 1988 figure and almost treble last year's figure. Moreover, the traffic warden service has been expanded by the appointment of 50 additional traffic wardens to enforce the parking laws.

In May last, I announced phase I of a transportation study for the greater Dublin area. Recently, I appointed consultants to carry out phase I, which involves an evaluation of the recommendations of previous studies, an assessment of traffic forecasting processes and the identification of data requirements. Over 130 submissions received relating to phase I are being considered by the consultants and a steering committee. Phase 2 will develop a strategy for transportation in Dublin, which will carry us well into the 21st century.

I have already referred publicly to the need to consider strategies which optimise the use of existing road space and to the related question of whether we are prepared to constrain car use to a greater extent so as to facilitate public transport. I have also referred to the question of rationing road space to ensure that it is used for movement rather than parking. The question of having a more widespread ban on roadside parking on key city routes is, therefore, being considered, in advance of the completion of the transportation study, in consultation with the other public authorities concerned.