Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

They are co-operating very strongly with us. I have to put it on the record that they are working closely with us. It is understandable that members of the road haulage industry will want to raise with us the kinds of issues and matters of concern that are arising in this context. I assure the Senator that we are being as co-operative as possible with the industry and the UK bodies on this issue. We have put a great deal of time and effort into this matter. I have done so personally.

The answer to the Senator's question about drones is "Yes". The number of drones in operation in Ireland at the moment is growing. The Irish Aviation Authority is considering new regulations for their use in Ireland and will make a decision on the matter shortly. Any new regulations will have to be compatible and in line with EU law in this area. Specific attention is being paid to the altitudes at which these units can be operated. Advertising and awareness activity will be in place as we attempt to manage this particular challenge. I believe that in the run-up to Christmas, we will see more and more of these units being bought for recreational and leisure use. I have strongly supported the Irish Aviation Authority on this matter. I think we need to change tack somewhat in recognition of the growing number of these units in this country.

The Senator is right when he says that road safety will be a particular area of focus at tomorrow's meeting. It has been discussed at other meetings I have attended. He spoke about drivers who exceed specific speed limits by a small number of kilometres per hour. The Road Safety Authority is looking at this matter because there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that if one exceeds the speed limit even by a small number of kilometres per hour, it can have a disproportionate effect on the risk of serious injury to other road users. Next year, much if not all of the focus will be on increasing awareness of existing road traffic sanctions. We already have robust laws in this area. Senator Mooney referred to particular roads. Earlier this year, I completed a review of road speed limits. We issued further guidance in relation to national roads on foot of that review. I understand that a review of all existing speed limits in this country will be undertaken over a three-year period. If I am wrong in that respect, I will revert to the Senator. Some speed limits were set by the National Roads Authority, which is now part of Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The vast majority of speed limits were set by local authorities. The review will look at the issue identified by the Senator, which is whether we need to take measures to ensure the speed limits on national roads that become local or regional roads, or national roads that pass through different settings, are more coherent and continuous. I appreciate that the Senator has acknowledged that road safety is one of the reasons that speed limits change in the first place.

These roads can suddenly pass through residential areas, especially in the case of national roads coming into the city centre.