Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is somewhat out of my remit but I understand that groups, such as residents associations which wish to erect signage in their local areas, are generally referred to the roads section of their local authority, so the Deputy might get more joy out of them. That section will ensure such signage is in keeping with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport traffic signals manual. This manual provides details on the traffic signs which may be used on roads in Ireland, including their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which each sign may be used and the rules for positioning them. Responsibility for the manual rests within the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Separately, and this is closer to our Department, Sport Ireland has developed a criteria document for walking trails in Ireland which, among other things, gives guidance on the standard of waymarking signage along walking trails. My Department administers the walks scheme, which facilitates the development and maintenance of many of Ireland's key walking trails, by contracting landowners to undertake maintenance work on those trails in line with agreed work plans.

The programme for Government includes a commitment to expand the walks scheme to achieve a target of 80 trails, compared with 39 at the beginning of 2019. This is in recognition of the value of outdoor recreation amenities to support individual and community well-being. Amenities such as walking trails and other outdoor recreation infrastructure have seen a huge increase in usage during Covid-19 and are highly valued by communities in both rural and urban areas.

To go back to the nub of the question, it is ultimately a question for the local authority. In terms of the guidance they are being given and are provided with in regard to the issue raised, it is a matter for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. There is not a huge amount I can say on that. I have plenty of information here on the walks scheme, if the Deputy wants to hear more about that.

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