Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the policy of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, of turning off or dimming lights at motorway junctions. This has been a policy for some time and it was brought to my attention again over the weekend. Only in recent days the lights have been turned off at the junction of the M4-M6 at Kinnegad, with which she will be familiar. The person to whom I spoke is very familiar with the route but almost missed the junction due to the lack of lights. He told me that only for the fact that he was familiar with the site layout he would have missed the junction as he could not read the sign. I have researched the matter and know the reasons that have been given. In the current climate there is a threat of power cuts and it has been mentioned that this energy and money saving policy will save €1 million. Without sounding flippant, €1 million is not a big price to pay to protect the health and safety of motorists. These roads were built in the not too distant past and designed with enough lights to protect the health and safety of road users. I do not recollect a change being made to health and safety laws or observations. We should invite the Minister for Transport in here to discuss this matter. I can see where the policy has come from but I can also see the associated dangers. I believe that the risks far outweigh the potential saving and we need to debate the matter. The person told me that the junction was in complete darkness last weekend and if he had not been aware of it, he would have taken the road to Mullingar instead of Athlone.