Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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563. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding cycling on footpaths; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33085/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that I have no direct role in roads policing which is principally an operational matter for An Garda Síochána and will be aware that I previously brought his concerns surrounding cycling on footpaths at this location to the attention of the Garda authorities.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda Management is aware that the area concerned is prone to traffic congestion arising from access to a shopping centre and local schools.

I am also informed that members of An Garda Síochána enforce the law on pedal cycling at this location as part of their normal duties on an ongoing basis. Regular patrols are conducted in the area augmented by the Divisional Traffic Unit and where breaches of the road traffic legislation are detected, members of An Garda Síochána, depending on the circumstances, may deal with the incident by way of advice or caution or by initiating criminal proceedings. I am advised that community Garda plan to visit the local secondary school to advise students of their responsibilities under the Road Traffic Acts with the overall objective of increasing awareness and compliance and that the situation will be kept under review.