Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 272 of 17 October 2006, if in view of widespread local concern regarding the impact of the proposed one way system on the adjoining Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7 area and the residents view that a traffic light or roundabout system at the Ashtown Gate, Dublin 7 would more effectively regulate traffic, he will direct the Office of Public Works to defer the implementation of the proposal, organise an information and consultation day for all local residents, introduce the traffic light solution as an interim measure and reassess the situation after six months. [35320/06]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Finance the cost to date of the Faber Maunsell traffic study on the Phoenix Park, Dublin 7; and the projected cost of it's full implementation. [35325/06]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 300: To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 272 of 17 October 2006, if a copy of the ERM report referred to will be made available to this Deputy. [35592/06]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 289, 290 and 300 together.

Firstly I wish to confirm that the Study in question was formulated following wide ranging consultation and following completion of the report recently, a number of presentations on the Study were held for a number of interested parties including local elected representatives, local residents and statutory authorities. Consultation is currently ongoing.

Options to resolve the severe traffic hazards at both the Ashtown and Cabra gates have been thoroughly investigated over an extended period in full consultation with the relevant authorities and I am satisfied that the option of a one way system for the Ashtown and Cabra gates represents the optimum solution. This solution has been endorsed by the independent Traffic Management Study recently completed and a similar system is proposed for Chapelizod and Islandbridge gates. As verified by the Traffic Management Study, the impacts of the one-way system on Blackhorse Avenue will be relatively minor. Consequently, while it is understandable that local residents have concerns about impacts on the area, in reality these concerns are largely unfounded. In light of the findings of the Traffic Management Study the deputy will appreciate that there is now an onus on the Commissioners to proceed with implementation of the measures contained therein, in the interests of the safety of all Park users and conservation of the Park and its amenities. I wish to confirm also that the Commissioners will monitor and review the effectiveness of these measures, following implementation, including of course the proposed one-way systems.

The fee for the Faber Maunsell Study, including services provided by ERM, amounts to €42,043.86 (including VAT) which has been paid. The provision of cost estimates for implementation of the measures did not form part of the commission. The main cost element will be the measures proposed for the Chesterfield Avenue. Implementation of the measures will be subject to standard procurement procedures and the Commissioners are anxious to ensure that this process is not prejudiced in any way. The Commissioners will be in a position to confirm the costs once the procurement process, in each instance, has been completed.

Messrs. Faber Maunsell engaged Messrs. ERM to vet the proposed measures contained in the Study from an environmental perspective and the findings are incorporated in the Study. Section 5.3 and Table 5.1 of the Study deals with the assessment of the proposals. The Commissioners do not have a separate report from Messrs. ERM.