Mary Henry (Independent)

I wish to take up the issue raised by Senator Kate Walsh about pedestrians. It is very worrying that 84 people were killed last year. This is a much higher level than in the rest of Europe. One fact that my colleagues in accident and emergency units have brought to my attention is that fatalities are far more likely when people are hit by four wheel drive vehicles with bull bars. Whatever strange people are around Dublin 4 there are very few bulls, at least on four legs. People should not be driving around with these iniquitous pieces of metal on the front of cars which make fatalities much more likely. Can we do something to have them removed? They are unnecessary.

The condition of road surfaces is very important both in urban and rural areas. In a recent case a man lost control of his car and hit another car. A pregnant woman who was driving the oncoming car lost her unborn child following the accident. People also lose control of cars in the city due to the dreadful potholes there. Road surfaces are important for pedestrian safety.

There are no footpaths on rural roads connecting one-off houses to towns. It is very difficult for children and older people who may not be in a position to drive to town to get there and back safely. This should be taken into consideration when permission is given for one-off housing.

I appeal to Senators to join me in my campaign to have a proper crossing at the Merrion Square side of Leinster House. I cross there with a hop, skip and a jump every day. I have been trying to get that crossing completed for 11 years. Dublin City Council keeps telling me it is waiting for a fine day to paint the zebra crossing on the ground.