Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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581. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will liaise with the NTA to ensure measures are taken to reduce the average speed of traffic including HGVs along a route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42277/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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For the purpose of my reply to the question, I have assumed and as subsequently clarified by you, that the question should have referred to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), formerly known as the National Roads Authority (NRA).

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads.

With regard to speed limits on national roads, the application of Special Speed Limits i.e. speed limits other than the default speed limits, are provided for in Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 which gives local authorities the power to make bye-laws (“special speed limit bye-laws”) in respect of any specified public road or specified part of a public road or specified carriageway or lane of a public road within a local authority's administrative area.

The 2004 Act also states that a County Council or City Council shall not make bye-laws relating to a national road or a motorway without the prior written consent of TII. I would also make the point that An Garda Síochána has responsibility for the enforcement of the speed limits.

However, noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.