Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 211: To ask the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 296 of 28 March 2006, if he will clarify the position with regard to public parks which local authorities understand are excluded from the definition of a public place; his views on a redefinition of public place to include public parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13786/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As indicated in the reply given on 28 March 2006, a "public place"for the purposes of the Road Traffic Acts means any public road and any street, road or other place to which the public has access with vehicles, whether as of right or by permission and whether subject to, or free of, charge.

I have no proposals to extend the definition of a public place for the purposes of the Road Traffic Acts 1961 to 2005 to include places to which the public does not have access with vehicles.

Public parks come under the management and control of either the Office of Public Works or the local authority in the area concerned and are covered by separate statutory provisions. If the parks are places where the public does not have vehicular access, it is a matter for the management body concerned to enforce the relevant governing legislation or by-laws, as the case may be, to ensure that all persons comply with the permitted use of the public park.