Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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230. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce share-the-road signs or other initiatives to improve respect between motorists, pedestrians and cyclists in the Dublin region, particularly in areas in which there has been a high volume of friction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6058/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I share the Deputy's concern that all road users respect each other.

Requirements in relation to Road Traffic Signs are set out in the Traffic Signs Manual, as published by my Department and which constitutes a Direction under Section 95(16) of the Road Traffic Act 1961. Regulatory Signs are also set out in relevant Statutory Instruments. As part of that and the introduction of the 2015 Guidelines for Managing Speed Limits there is provision for a ‘Slow Zone’ sign which, amongst other things, indicates the presence of other types of road users. This is being rolled out across the country in conjunction with lower speed limits. Since 2015 special speed limits of 30 km/h have been applied in over 6,400 housing estates.

In addition my Department has issued other documents such as the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) and the Traffic Management Guidelines (TMG) which provide for improved design to support traffic calming and safer interaction between different types of road users. Further development and trials are underway to enhance these guidelines.

My Department also continues to be very active in promoting behavioural change to encourage more people to use sustainable modes of transport. As well as funding and supporting national initiatives such as Bike Week, my Department also provides funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) on an annual basis for the delivery of behavioural change programmes such as Workplace and Campus travel programmes and the Green Schools Travel Programme.