Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 494: To ask the Minister for Finance if he has granted approval for the Office of Public Work's plans to introduce a one-way traffic system at Ashtown Gate and Cabra Gate in the Phoenix Park. [43813/06]

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 495: To ask the Minister for Finance if he has satisfied himself regarding the level of public consultation that the Office of Public Works has had with local residents on its proposals to manage traffic in the Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43814/06]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 494 and 495 together.

I am fully satisfied that the level of consultation engaged in by the Office of Public Works, both prior to compilation of the Transportation Study and following its publication, was comprehensive and wide ranging and included local communities, elected representatives, State agencies and other interested parties. In addition to media coverage and public exhibitions of the proposals, a total of 11 consultation sessions were arranged in a number of venues, commencing in early October 2006 and culminating in a public meeting on December 8th 2006.

Following the public consultation process, the recommendations contained in the Phoenix Park Transportation Study have been reviewed in light of the feedback from that process and a decision on the way forward has now been made, the details of which are outlined in my statement of 17th January 2007 which can be found on the OPW website.

The proposal to introduce a one way traffic system, at the Ashtown and Cabra Gates, has been deferred further in light of the observations received in the course of the extensive consultations engaged in by the Office of Public Works.