asked the Minister for the Environment if the question of authorising the provision of ramps by local authorities for the purpose of controlling excessive speeding has been considered; and if measures will be introduced to authorise local authorities to provide ramps at suitable locations.

19.

asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the alarming increase in the problem of stolen cars and consequent injury to persons and property, he will make immediate provisions so that local authorities will be empowered to erect experimental ramps and bollards in particularly difficult areas to see if these might alleviate the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

, Dublin South-East): With your permission, Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.

My Department and An Foras Forbartha have been following the progress of experiments in Britain and elsewhere and other modifications of the road surface designed to retard vehicle speeds. There is no statutory authority for the provision of such ramps in this country. Apart from the legal aspects, however, I am not satisfied at this stage that the results of research so far carried out would justify the general adoption of such measures.

The exclusion or restriction of traffic by means of bollards or other such measures is a matter for decision by the road authority, in consultation with the Garda authorities.

Is it the position that local authorities do not have a legal right to provide such grants if they wish to do so? Is the Minister aware that speeding causing injury and death is an increasing problem in our towns and on many rural roads and that this measure has been adopted with some success in other countries? Would he give serious consideration to providing these ramps.

(Dublin South-East): I am sympathetic to the Deputy's question. The matter was discussed at great length in Dublin Corporation and the only conclusion that could be arrived at was that perhaps it could be tried out in a particular area on a pilot scheme basis to see if rumble strips or “sleeping policemen” would have some effect. The best way of tackling it would be to try through a local authority to designate some area that would be suitable on an experimental basis. It is an excellent suggestion, but to engage in an overall scheme of introducing rumble strips to slow down traffic might be counterproductive. I said there might be legal aspects that might curtail building such strips, but from my recollection of discussions with Dublin Corporation the feeling was that there would not be any legal obstacles to introducing such rumble strips.

Would the Minister put the legal question beyond doubt, because my recollection is that the view of Dublin Corporation was that such ramps would be helpful and that the the corporation felt they had not got legal powers to provide them? If that doubt exists would the Minister now clarify the situation by introducing the necessary legislation or making the Ministerial order?

(Dublin South-East): I would be happy to take another look at this question. I am sympathetic to the problem. There are various areas which would benefit, from the point of view of safety of school children and so on, from the provision of such ramps.

If an investigation in the Minister's Department reveals that there are legal problems, would the Minister undertake to inform local authorities of the results of such an investigation.

(Dublin South-East): That would have wider ramifications. The best I can do at present is to look at it to see if there are any legal obstructions. I would not be prepared to inform all local authorities the results of such an investigation.

The Minister has left a cloud hanging over this question in relation to the fact that there may be legal aspects to be taken into consideration. Is the Minister in a position to inform the House whether there are any legal aspects to be taken into account or whether he has been advised by his Department that there are no legal complications in the implementation of Deputy Taylor's suggestion?

(Dublin South-East): I have not left a cloud over the issue. I am trying to be helpful. I am sympathetic towards the suggestion and I will further examine it. I cannot give the Deputy a categoric reply to the question he has asked now. That is why I stated to Deputy Birmingham that I would take a further look at it.

Would the Minister encourage the local authority in Dublin city to get involved in a pilot scheme study? I know there are a number of constituencies, including mine, and many housing estates which would welcome involvement in such a scheme.

(Dublin South-East): This would come through the local authority, but I will certainly give the Deputy that assurance.

Considering the tone of Deputy Taylor's question, which basically sought to find out if the authorisation or provision of ramps by local authorities for the purpose of controlling excessive speeding has been considered, would the Minister inform the House if there are legal complications?

(Dublin South-East): I am happy with the information I have given the House in this matter.

As the Minister has stated that he intends to have a further look at the matter, would he give special consideration to investigating rear service roadways in built-up areas which are causing concern to residents and local and public representatives?

(Dublin South-East): Yes, I will do that.

Could the Minister elaborate on the Foras Forbartha report? Have they any views on this matter?

(Dublin South-East): I am not prepared to elaborate any further on this matter.