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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Phoenix Park.

Phoenix Park speed limits and enforcement

Summary

The Minister confirms the Park’s roads have 40- and 30-mile-per-hour limits and that Gardaí can enforce them. In response to concerns about speeding, increased traffic and lighting, he is examining possible further action and promises to share the results without delay.

asked the Minister for Finance whether the roads in the Phoenix Park, Dublin are in public ownership; if so, when they were taken into public ownership; whether they are subject to speed limits; and, if not, whether he will introduce such speed restrictions to protect the public, particularly young children, who frequent this public amenity.

Comment on this

The ownership of the Phoenix Park including the roads is vested in the Minister for Finance while the management and control of the park is vested in the Commissioners of Public Works. The Main Road of the Park from Parkgate Street to Castleknock Gate is subject to a speed limit of 40 miles per hour and all other roads in the park are subject to a speed limit of 30 miles per hour in accordance with an order made under the Phoenix Park Act, 1925.

Comment on this

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the Garda are empowered to enforce speed limits within the park?

Comment on this

The Garda are empowered under a by-law and there have been successful prosecutions on a number of occasions. I am glad that the Deputy raised this matter because I intend to look at the whole position. I am fully aware of definite abuse by some motorists using the road. I am also raising the matter with the local authority concerned.

Comment on this

Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree, now that the Castleknock area is built up—it has become one of the "in" places to live, even Government Ministers reside there——

Comment on this
Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

That is not a supplementary question.

Comment on this

Because Government Ministers reside there?

Comment on this

No, even Government Ministers reside there. Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that because this area is built up there is now more need than ever to enforce speed limits? It has become almost a racetrack during the day. Would he also agree that improved lighting facilities are needed?

Comment on this

I am examining the whole position. There are speed limits.

Comment on this

They are not observed.

Comment on this

I am examining the situation to see what further action is possible.

Comment on this

Could the Parliamentary Secretary say when he expects to have the results of this examination?

Comment on this

There will be no delay in the matter.

Comment on this

Will the Parliamentary Secretary let me have the results?

Comment on this

I certainly will.

Comment on this