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Dáil Éireann - Volume 351 - 12 June, 1984

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Blackrock (Dublin) Road.

33. Mr. D. Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the dangerous condition of Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock in the county of Dublin, if this particular thoroughfare will be widened; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

34. Mr. D. Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment the number and nature of accidents on Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, County Dublin, in the period 1 January 1980 to date.

Mr. Kavanagh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.

On the basis of the most recent information available to me by the Garda authorities I understand that in the period 1 January, 1980 to mid-February 1984 one fatal accident and six accidents involving personal injury occurred on Carysfort Avenue. The fatal accident resulted in the death of a motor cycle pillion passenger. In the other accidents, three pedestrians, one motor-cyclist, one car passenger and one pedal cyclist were injured. In two cases the injuries were serious, the remainder being minor injuries. Reliable information regarding accidents involving damage to property only is not available, since a substantial number of such accidents are not reported to the Garda.

As regards the condition of the road in question, the primary responsibility for its maintenance and for the planning, [704] execution and timing of improvement works, as well as the provision of the necessary finance, rests with Dún Laoghaire Corporation and the Dublin County Council who are the road authorities concerned.

Mr. D. Andrews: Obviously the Minister has been in touch with the Garda authorities. Was he in touch with the local authority in relation to the time schedule for the widening and improvement of this very dangerous thoroughfare? Will the Minister agree that seven accidents in the last three or four years is seven accidents too many? Is the Minister aware that during the winter months the gullies fill up with water and pedestrians walking on either side of this very narrow thoroughfare are drenched although it may not be raining at the time? This amounts to a tremendous hazard, health and otherwise. I should point out that this is about the fourth time I have raised this matter in the House in the last 20 years and while I do not expect to be here for a further 20 years to raise it on a similar number of occasions I hope the Minister will treat it as a serious problem. It is one of the most dangerous thoroughfares in the city and county of Dublin by any standards.

Mr. Kavanagh: I take it from the reply I have given that there is a serious accident problem on that road. I accept that the Deputy has been 20 years a Member but I have to tell him straight that this is the administrative area of Dún Laoghaire Corporation and Dublin County Council. It is a non-national route and, therefore, the responsibility for carrying out improvement works rests directly with those authorities.

Mr. D. Andrews: The Minister has put his ministerial finger on the nub of the problem, that this thoroughfare is the responsibility of two authorities. The Blackrock end is the responsibility of Dún Laoghaire Corporation while the top end of Carysfort Avenue is in the area of Dublin County Council. Will the Minister consider bringing the two authorities together to discuss the problem [705] or meet a deputation of Dáil Deputies from the area to discuss this serious problem? Will the Minister suggest that the two authorities get together to deal with this?

Mr. Kavanagh: I will bring this debate to the attention of the local authorities concerned and suggest that the area be considered for repair or maintenance as soon as possible.

Mr. D. Andrews: While the road surface is not great it is relatively good. It is the width of the road that is causing the problem, particularly the Blackrock end of Carysfort Avenue. Cars are parked on the left-hand side going up.

An Ceann Comhairle: We are now having a detailed discussion about this.

Mr. D. Andrews: It is a serious matter and under the outdated rules of the House I will not be able to raise it for another six months. In the meantime many people may be injured. Will the Minister, as a matter of urgency, bring the local authorities concerned together to meet local Dáil Deputies and the Minister to discuss the problem?

Mr. Kavanagh: I will bring the problem to the attention of both authorities and we will see then if we should go further.

Mr. D. Andrews: If the Minister would comply with my request I would be grateful.

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