Written answers

Thursday, 31 March 2022

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Traffic Management

Photo of Patrick CostelloPatrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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231. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if an update will be provided on the implementation of the works introduced on 28 February 2022 as part of the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Report; and the steps that have been taken to ensure motorists adhere to the new 30km/h speed limit in view of the fact that users feedback low compliance with the speed limit. [17135/22]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Electronic signage notifying motorists of road speed limit changes were installed in the Park before and after the implementation on 28thFebruary 2022. New 30km/h signs and road markings were also installed, and all speed limit signs updated. An Garda Síochána were notified of these changes and have assured the OPW that speed limits will be monitored as part of their city wide traffic monitoring programme. All speed limits are updated on GPS and in-car GPS where available. Further information on the progress of the Transport and Mobility recommendations are outlined on PQ 17139/22.

Photo of Patrick CostelloPatrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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232. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the data that the surface mounted counters reveal about traffic volumes and speeds in the first month since the introduction of the new 30km/h speed limit in the Phoenix Park in tabular form. [17136/22]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Surface mounted counters were installed in the Phoenix Park in late December 2021 to monitor traffic until June 2022. The monitors count vehicular and cycle traffic while also recording vehicle speeds for the duration of the survey.

As part of the project, interpretive data analysis reports will be supplied for the first quarter 2022. The OPW will share this data with the Deputy once it is available.

Photo of Patrick CostelloPatrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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233. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the 30km/h speed limit introduced in the Phoenix Park is enforceable and mandatory or if it is advisory given there are no regulatory signs on entering the Park. [17137/22]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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On 28th February 2022, The Office of Public Works introduced a 30km/h speed limit in the Phoenix Park. The public and users of the Park were advised of this change, in advance, through public notices, signage, press communications and social media channels over a two-week period in February.

Signs advising motorists of the new speed limit in the Phoenix Park are in place at all of the main entrances. As per the previous speed limit of 50km/h, signs are located at appropriate places throughout the Park advising of the new 30km/h speed limit.

The Commissioners of Public Works have the authority to implement changes and regulations governing the operations and management of the Phoenix Park under the Phoenix Park Act. An Garda Síochána has the power to enforce these regulations and enforce fines under the Road Traffic Act.

Photo of Patrick CostelloPatrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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234. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details of the commitment that An Garda Síochána has provided to the OPW regarding enforcement of the new 30km/h speed limit in the Phoenix Park. [17138/22]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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An Garda Síochána are supportive of the 30km speed limit in the Park, which is now aligning with the limits introduced by DCC on the Dublin City Quays.

Photo of Patrick CostelloPatrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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235. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the works relating to the implementation of the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Report will be completed (details supplied). [17139/22]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Study recommendations for Phase One are well advanced with the majority of the implementation works undertaken on site to date.

The implementation of the 9-month pilot study of the cul-de-sac on the upper Glen Road and one-way route on the North Road have commenced and are working well. The North Road has new road markings and signage and is operating as a one-way system, in the city direction only. The North Road one-way system is clearly marked as one way for cars only, with “No Entry” signage on the North Road at Garda HQ. In addition, there are two cycle lanes clearly marked on the North Road. The OPW will review all signage, as the No Entry sign visible on the North Road, may need an exception on it for cyclists. Signage has been erected at both entrances to the Upper Glen Road notifying motorists that there is a cul-de-sac and also that this is a “no through road”. Specific additional signage has been ordered ‘no motorbikes’. The bollards are delineated the cul-de-sac allow for cyclists, wheelchairs, and people with buggies access.

The OPW completed the installation of traffic lane separators along the entire length of Chesterfield Avenue, on both sides of the road, providing a safer environment for cyclists. All appropriate signage is in place and a review will be undertaken to ensure that there is no misleading way markers.

It should be noted that 30 kilometre per hour signage is painted on the road at each entrance of the Phoenix Park, with further signage throughout the Park. All signage is compliant with the Department of Transport regulations. When exiting the Phoenix Park, the local authority has responsibility over the correct speed limit signage that is appropriate to their roads. It would not be appropriate for OPW to erect such signage within the Phoenix Park.

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