Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has studied the impact of the 30 km/h speed limit in particular areas of Dublin city; if traffic movements, health and safety or other issues have been observed; if carbon emissions have been reduced; if he will advise its extension to other parts of Dublin city or county or to other parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6495/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Transport if he plans to implement a campaign of public awareness around the new speed restrictions in Dublin city centre. [6489/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 133 together.

Statutory responsibility for the application of special speed limits through the making of special speed limit bye-laws is vested in the elected members of county councils and city councils. In 2005 statutory guidance was issued to Local Authorities on the setting of special speed limits in accordance with Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004. These Guidelines were revised and issued to Local Authorities again in December 2008. They set out principles to guide local authorities in setting special speed limits and, under Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, application by local authorities of the 30 km per hour speed limit must be in accordance with the criteria set in the guidelines.

In setting a speed limit a local authority must assess various factors with the primary focus being on road safety. It is, quite appropriately, a matter for the local authority to assess the various factors at play in setting a special speed limit including compliance with the criteria set in the guidelines. Any assessment of the impact of the new 30km per hour zone in Dublin city centre can only be made following a period of time in operation. Responsibility for the erection of signage and public awareness regarding new special speed limits are also matters for the local authority concerned. Public awareness campaigns regarding road safety are the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding of the Road Safety Authority's draft report on compulsory basic training for motorcyclists; the target date for the introduction of compulsory basic training for motorcyclists as mandated under the road safety strategy 2007 to 2012 and in view of the continuing high casualties in road collisions involving motorcyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6422/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The issue of compulsory basic training (CBT) for motorcyclists is primarily a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I am aware that motorcyclists are vulnerable road users and I believe that CBT for motorcyclists will improve road safety not only for this group but for all road users. I understand that the RSA undertook a pilot programme to prepare for the introduction of CBT for motorcyclists, which was completed last year. Other necessary conditions for the introduction of a full CBT programme are, I understand, also now in place including the availability of a good supply of approved driving instructors. Draft regulations are now being finalised within the RSA with a view to submitting them shortly to my Department for examination.