Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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285. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a review will be conducted of the Signs Manual with a view to reducing the proliferation of unnecessary signage on roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1830/25]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads 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 Councils' own resources supplemented by State Road grants.

This Traffic Signs Manual provides details of the traffic signs which may be used on roads in Ireland, including their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which each sign may be used and rules for positioning them. Only traffic signs which are in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual or associated Regulations shall be provided on public roads.

Legal responsibility for public roads is vested in the County Councils and City Councils. These local authorities, in discharging their road functions, are referred to as ‘Road Authorities’. The statutory duty of Road Authorities includes responsibility for the specification, construction and maintenance of road signs and markings. The minimum amount of signage consistent with the use of the road should be provided in any situation.

Road Authorities should avoid sign clutter and should remove all unnecessary or unauthorised signage from the roadside. It is recommended that Road Authorities undertake a periodic review of the signs within their jurisdiction. The review should be comprehensive, considering the need for signs, their design and location, and also consistency in signing.