Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Deputy is referring to a report entitled, The Safety Challenge of Increased Cycling, by Jack Short and Brian Caulfield of Trinity College Dublin. The current road safety strategy which runs from 2013 to 2020 contains a range of measures to ensure greater safety among cyclists.  These include education to promote the use of personal protection equipment and high visibility clothing; developing a standardised road safety cycling proficiency training programme for schools; and evaluating the cost-benefit of reducing VAT on personal protection equipment.  I will work with the Road Safety Authority, RSA, and the other appropriate bodies to ensure these recommendations are implemented. It is also important that cyclists, like all road users, take responsibility for their own safety.  

The National Transport Authority, NTA, is responsible for the provision of public and sustainable transport infrastructure in the greater Dublin area and the regional cities. The NTA provides funding for local authorities for a range of schemes to benefit cyclists, including the provision of much needed infrastructure, and other measures to improve safety for commuters under the sustainable transport management grants programme. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct response. He should contact me if he does not receive that reply within two weeks.  

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including urban roads and cycle lanes, are the statutory responsibilities of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.

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