Seanad debates
Wednesday, 4 December 2002
Adjournment Matters. - Roads Projects.
Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)
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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.
The Phoenix Park contains Áras an Uachtaráin, Farmleigh House, the American ambassador's residence and Dublin Zoo. It is an area that attracts many visitors and foreign dignitaries who must look at this Third World roadway. I hope the Minister of State can tell the House that something is to be done. It is a matter of great concern. I hope the Minister of State will spend the same money on this road as was spent on the road leading to Farmleigh House where there is a good surface, lovely lights and granite kerbs. I want a good road surface on Chesterfield Avenue in order that motorists can drive in safety.
Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Gabhaim buíochas don Seanadóir as ucht na ceiste seo a ardú ar an Athló agus deis labhartha a thabhairt dom maidir leis an mhéid atá le déanamh leis na hoibreacha riachtanacha seo. I thank the Senator for raising this matter on the Adjournment and giving me the opportunity to outline my views. In line with the rest of the city of Dublin, the Phoenix Park, in particular its main road, Chesterfield Avenue, has experienced a dramatic increase in traffic volumes in recent years. This development has been detrimental to the structural integrity of the road, the quality of the park as a recreational facility and, in particular, the safety of park users and motorists.
When it was originally constructed, it had not been envisaged that Chesterfied Avenue would deal with such intense traffic volumes and as a result, it now needs both major repair works to the foundations and surface of the road, and the introduction of design features with a view to increasing safety and reducing the speed of traffic. A fully integrated plan for the renovation of the avenue has accordingly been prepared by my Department, and it is intended to submit the scheme for planning approval early in the new year. The safety of all park users has been paramount in the preparation of this plan which has been developed in consultation with the Dublin Transportation Office and will involve a variety of traffic calming measures which are appropriate to the context of this national historic park. Key factors which been have taken into consideration in this regard include the avenue's width and length which lead to speeding and the need to give pedestrians priority at the Park Gate end of the road.
The project includes the following elements: the construction of a roundabout at Mountjoy Cross to function as a traffic calming measure; the reduction of effective road width by the introduction of hard paved areas into the carriageway at key locations and the introduction of a median island which would also provide a safe island for pedestrians; the construction of raised pedestrian crossings incorporating cats eyes and other markings at strategic locations; the creation of a pedestrian priority zone at the eastern end of Chesterfield Avenue by the introduction of a level paved area – motorists will have access to this zone via a raised platform with suitable signage and the speed limit will be reduced to 20 miles per hour; and upgrading and rationalisation of the existing network of cycle paths together with the integration of cyclists and motorists at road junctions and leading to roundabouts. In addition, off-road facilities will be provided for leisure users. It is intended to implement the project on a phased basis and minimise disruption to park users. As and when funds become available, a first priority will be the construction of the roundabout at Mountjoy Cross and the introduction of traffic calming measures in the vicinity of Dublin Zoo.
The Senator referred to Ashtown Gate and the necessity for traffic lights. My Department considers the provision of traffic lights is not an appropriate solution in the context of a national historic park. This is not to say, however, they are not necessary for traffic purposes, but it has been suggested that the provision of a roundabout or a one way system would be better solutions. I hope this will allay the Senator's fears and overcome any difficulties. My Department is awaiting a final response to these recommendations from Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council.
Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State and ask for a copy of his reply. I cannot understand how his argument stands up when he says the gate is not suitable for traffic lights when every other one has them.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator cannot comment in this way.
Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I will look into the matter.
The Seanad adjourned at 9 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 5 December 2002.