Vol. 495 No. 1
93 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reasons new roads which have ample space on either side do not provide for the physical separation of cyclists from mechanically propelled vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19074/98]
Primary responsibility for road construction and improvement including the provision of cycle facilities rests with local authorities and in the case of national roads the National Roads Authority. My Department has sought to encourage the road authorities concerned to make appropriate provision for cyclists in constructing and improving roads. This has been done, inter alia, through: the Memorandum on Grants for Non-National Roads 1996-99 which requires that consideration should be given by local authorities to the provision of facilities for cyclists where such is warranted on existing roads in urban areas and in the development of new road schemes; and the development of a manual for use by local authorities and NRA on the provision of cycling facilities, including segregation of cycle and motorised traffic. Provision of Cycle Facilities: National Manual for Urban Areas was published on behalf of my Department by the Dublin Transportation Office in 1997 and a copy is available in the Oireachtas Library.
