David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I appreciate that. The work of the Minister of State and the Department of Transport can be a matter of life and death in many instances.

This is a dangerous time of year on the roads because it gets dark earlier. Roads can be more dangerous because of fallen leaves. It is easy to skid on damp roads. I understand that the revised speed limits will be introduced on 20 January next, when we may have icy weather on dark evenings. Is January the best time of the year to introduce a change of this nature? Would it be better to wait until the onset of long and bright evenings when there is less danger? I do not intend my remarks as a criticism, but as a matter of debate. Would it be better to wait until the summer, or at least until the clocks have gone forward? I ask the Minister of State to consider such a change in the legislation, although I appreciate that it may be too late.

Many Deputies have spoken about the need to review speed limits. I understand that there will be a general revision of speed limits in many parts of the country. Is it not possible to introduce changes in speed limits at the same time as the metrification of the limits, rather than making this change now and a further change at a later date? It seems we are increasing the cost, complexity and potential for confusion associated with the changes.

It is important that we acknowledge the need to review speed limits, which are inappropriate in many places throughout the country. The designated limit is dangerously slow in many instances. When one drives from Cork city towards Midleton, a speed limit of 40 mph is imposed for over half a mile of dual carriageway. It can be difficult and almost dangerous to stay within that limit. Many drivers brake suddenly when they realise that a speed trap might be forthcoming and they might get a penalty point if they do not slow down. The level of danger is increased in such circumstances. It is important that such limits should be reviewed.

It appears that some local authority members are putting pressure on council officials to extend 30 mph speed limits to areas further outside towns and villages to increase the likelihood of land in such areas being deemed suitable for development. Such factors need to be taken into account. It is not right to impose an inappropriate speed limit simply to facilitate the future development of land.

I agree with Deputy Dennehy that it is important that cycle ways and walk ways are provided for in road developments to the maximum possible extent. The Government should have a policy of incorporating cycle ways and walk ways where possible, especially near urban areas but also in the country. Many parents are afraid to let their children out on the road on bicycles. The Minister of State, Deputy Callely, who was assigned to the Department of Health and Children, is aware that a lack of exercise can lead to obesity. Cycling in the fresh air, which is one of the best forms of exercise for children and adults, is now extremely dangerous on many of our roads, especially in rural areas where cars travel at fairly high speeds on narrow roads and around corners.

The Minister of State is from Dublin, but I am aware that he travels to Cork from time to time. I ask him to examine the failure of many local authorities to cut briars on the sides of roads. This issue arises every year when vegetation grows onto roads, thereby reducing visibility and causing danger to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Deputy Dennehy was right to mention the need to consolidate the legislation in this regard. Land owners are responsible for cutting vegetation at a certain time of the year, but many of them fail to do so, thereby making roads dangerous and unsafe. I contend that responsibility for the task should revert to local authorities. They should cut vegetation at the sides of the roads in late July and early August to ensure that people can cycle and walk. Our roads are narrow enough, but they become dangerous when vegetation grows and makes them narrower. I ask the Minister of State to consider this issue.

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