Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

354. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the problem of motorists speeding in housing estates; his plans to tackle this problem to protect vulnerable road users, particularly children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36966/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While my Department is responsible for the legislative basis and supporting guidelines in regard to traffic matters, implementation of traffic management measures is the responsibility of the relevant local road authority.

Circular RSD 1/2014 on the Control of Vehicle Speeds in Housing Estates was issued by my Department to local authorities in October last year. That Circular highlighted existing national guidelines and measures available to local authorities and it proposed new measures to reduce speed limits in housing estates and residential areas.  In addition, my Department issued new 'Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland' to all local authorities earlier this year which also addressed the issue of speed limits on residential roads.

Among the initiatives covered by these guidelines was an increased emphasis on the use by local authorities of the special speed limit of 30 km/h in housing areas and the associated introduction of new signage in this regard. A sum of €2 million was provided in Budget 2015 in dedicated funding to support the proposed signage programme on public roads throughout the country and further funding will be allocated to local authorities in 2016 to support this programme.

If any further measures, including engineering measures, are deemed necessary to reduce speeds in residential areas, it is a matter for local authorities to assess what actions can best deliver such safety improvements. The latest Speed Limit Guidelines give detailed advice in this regard.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

355. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if electronic signs that show motorists the speed they are travelling at will be erected at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36970/15]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

356. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if electronic signs showing motorists the speed they are travelling at will be erected at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36972/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 355 and 356 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects (including the N86  and N22) in Kerry is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with Kerry County Council.

Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.

Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question concerning the introduction of electronic signage on the N86 at Anascaul and on the N22 at Glenflesk Church, Glenflesk, Co. Kerry to TII for direct reply.  The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.