Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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581. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he shares the commitment concerning the introduction of new road signs, the design of which affords Gaeilge a more distinct and prominent position, if the proposed new signs will be introduced as and when road signs require replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43302/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The primary motivation in relation to the display of text on road traffic signs is to ensure that the information they carry assists in the safe use of the road network and provides clarity for road users so as not to compromise road safety. The rules governing the design of road traffic signs are set out in my Department's Traffic Signs Manual. In particular, the format for the Irish and English language text has been in place since 1978 and was retained in the 1996 and 2010 updates of the Manual. The resulting text, format and imaging were based on research, road safety considerations and on the practical understanding of Ireland’s road network.

This had led to a clear set of rules in respect of the design of traffic signs that convey an intuitive understanding of bilingual destinations for both residents and visitors alike and I understand that we do not receive complaints from the motoring public regarding any lack of clarity or difficulty with legibility of text on our road traffic signs in either the English or Irish languages.

I am aware that my predecessor saw some merit in having a small number of signs, in a format proposed in a report commissioned by Conradh na Gaeilge, erected at a few high profile locations around the country in order to test public perceptions. The Deputy will appreciate that my priority at all times is focused on road safety and therefore before that suggestion can be advanced any further, I wish to review the position to ensure that any modification to the display of text on our road signs will not compromise road safety in any way.