Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 12 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 6

Written Answers. - Dublin Traffic Management.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

49 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the 16 routes included in operation clearway; the number of arrests resulting from this operation; whether he will increase Garda resources to further sustain the efforts made under operation clearway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6765/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Clearway, which came into effect on 5 January 1998, focuses on the main arterial routes into Dublin city. In addition to these routes, the monitoring of identified traffic black spots is provided for through the allocation of additional mobile and foot patrols throughout the city.

The decision as to the particular areas and routes which the gardaí focus on is a Garda operational matter. The gardaí have to maintain a degree of flexibility in regard to the choice of routes to meet particular difficulties as they arise.

I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that, although no arrests have been made to date, 7,500 varied offences were detected during Operation Clearway from 5 January 1998 to 1 March 1998. These were dealt with by way of fines on the spot, caution and summons. In addition, 1,178 illegally parked vehicles were towed to the carpound.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that, while there are no immediate plans to increase Garda resources over and above those allocated to Operation Clearway, the operation will continue to be subject to ongoing review. The continuing campaign has recently been reinforced by changes at chief superintendent level to ensure that it has the necessary top level focus and direction.