Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for coming to the House. I am almost embarrassed bringing up a matter that to me is local, but which is also national. It seems trivial compared to the issue raised by Senator Henry, yet it is causing a lot of hardship and annoyance to many thousands. I refer to the appalling condition of Chesterfield Avenue, the main road through the Phoenix Park.

I do not know if the Minister of State has been to the Phoenix Park recently, but the road has been in need of resurfacing for many years. In the recent months a large number of potholes have appeared which make driving in this area extremely dangerous. With the bad road surface, potholes and deer in the park, I am amazed there have not been serious accidents. Many motorists have damaged tyres and people are sick of this. While Dúchas has responsibility, I cannot get satisfaction from it, which is the reason I raise the matter in the House.

Access to the Phoenix Park at the Ashtown Gate is another issue. Two years ago I got agreement between Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council to provide funding for traffic lights at the junction. Work was to go ahead until Dúchas stated it would not allow lights to be placed at the gates. I know the area well and Ashtown Gate is the only one without traffic lights. The Minister of State may know the junction as being extremely dangerous. People take their lives in their hands morning and evening. There is no justification for Dúchas to refuse permission for traffic lights and put lives at risk.