Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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216. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the action he will take to address the issue of vehicles parking in cycle lanes during designated cycle hours which forces cyclists to merge with vehicular traffic; if he will correspond with An Garda Síochána regarding the enforcement of cycle lane access for cyclists during designated hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28770/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I share the Deputy's concern on this important issue. The obstruction of cycle tracks by illegally parked vehicles, which forces cyclists to merge with other traffic, is unacceptable and makes our roads more dangerous for these vulnerable users. At a time when we wish to encourage healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyles, it is important that we ensure that our roads are as safe as possible for cyclists by robustly enforcing the laws that are intended to protect them.

Strong enforcement of road traffic laws has played an important role in improving the safety of our roads, leading to 2017 having the lowest number of fatalities on record. I am sure the Deputy will agree that it is vital that we continue to work to reduce this number further and encourage responsible use of our roads by all users through both enforcement and education.

I can inform the Deputy that I have recently contacted An Garda Síochána in order to request information on the enforcement strategy in relation to this issue, and to seek assurance that prohibitions on parking on cycle tracks will be strongly enforced. I will contact the Deputy directly upon receipt of a response.