Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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79. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider providing a scheme for local authorities to make local tertiary roads safer for cycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16308/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

I believe that there are opportunities to improve facilities for cyclists in both urban and rural areas.

The Deputy is likely aware that the National Transport Authority (NTA) works with local authorities in all five cities in developing improved cycling infrastructure across relevant local authority areas and a number of significant projects are underway in various cities. In addition in recent months the NTA issued a Circular to all 31 local authorities offering technical and financial support to local authorities in the development of interim mobility measures in response to challenges posed by the current COVID-19 Emergency. These measures include initiatives such as improved cycling facilities and I would encourage all local authorities to avail of these supports. We can already see the benefits of these type of measures in many local authority areas and their introduction is supporting local communities and local businesses as society and the economy looks to reopen and recover.

In addition, my Department is examining the scope to make regulatory provision to limit the use of certain through routes (in particular on local secondary and local tertiary roads) to non-motorised traffic except for access purposes. It will also examine the possibility of designating such routes as ‘Green Routes’ or ‘Quiet Lanes’. Local authorities will, of course, be notified by Circular as soon as final decisions are made on any of these matters.