Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
71. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the efforts his Department is making to liaise with An Garda Síochána regarding policing of road speed within the Phoenix Park. [17834/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Phoenix Park is a historic landscape of international importance and one of the largest designed landscapes in any European city. The Park represents a unique natural and cultural landscape that is both a historic park and a city park and which provides a setting for a range of activities and amenities.
Following an extensive public consultation process, the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study Post-Consultation Report was published in 2021 which included a number of key recommendations including the reduction of commuter traffic, increasing the cycling and pedestrian opportunities and the provision of limited public transport. The introduction of a one-way system on the North Road and the provision of a cul-de-sac on the Upper Glen Road were also priorities. The undertaking of a Parking Strategy and a review of the park byelaws was also recommended along with a reduction of the speed limit in the Park from 50 kilometres per hour to 30 kilometres per hour.
The lower speed limit was introduced for public safety. There has been a reduction of speeds within the Park with a noticeable change in driver behaviour making the Park a safer place for all visitors. Studies have shown that a reduction in the speed limit to 30 kilometres per hour reduces the risk of fatalities. The 30 kilometres per hour speed limit has been adopted in many other urban areas across Europe including cities in, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, and Sweden, not only for safety reasons, but to reduce noise, air pollution and CO2 emissions. Dublin City Council also implemented a 30 kilometres per hour speed limit for large parts of the city in 2020, including in the areas immediately outside the Park Gate Street entrance to the Phoenix Park.
An Garda Síochána continues to work with the OPW in relation to all aspects of the management and operation of the Phoenix Park. The OPW also continues to liaise with the Department of Transport in respect of the required legislation.
It is important to note that under Section 5(k) of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, dangerous driving (including speed) in any place, not just public, is an offence and, on conviction, a person is liable to a class A fine and/or a term of imprisonment for up to 6 months. If a person is convicted of dangerous driving causing death or serious bodily harm, they can be fined up to €20,000 and imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both.
