Vol. 520 No. 4
139 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans if any he has to introduce legislation compelling local authorities to erect pedestrian crossings at hospitals and main streets in busy towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15778/00]
140 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to an impending EU directive compelling local authorities to provide pedestrian crossings at busy locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15779/00]
141 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans if any he has to provide additional funding to local authorities to erect pedestrian crossings at busy locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15780/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 139, 140 and 141 together.
My Department is not aware of any EU proposal in relation to the provision of pedestrian crossings.
The provision of traffic management measures, including the provision of pedestrian crossings, is a matter for the relevant local road authority, in consultation with the Garda Síochána, and with the National Roads Authority in the case of national roads.
Individual road authorities are directly responsible for the provision, maintenance and funding of signposting and roadway markings on non-national roads, either through their own resources and/or through discretionary grants made available by my Department. The initial selection and prioritisation of works under the various grant categories, including the provision and improvement of pedestrian crossings, are also matters for decision by individual local authorities.
Non-national road grant funding has increased significantly in recent years from £174.8 million in 1997 to £263.74 million in 2000, an increase of 51%. It is intended that the substantial funding which is available together with local authorities' own resources should provide for the ongoing and special needs of local authorities with regard to the non-national road network.
Funding is also made available by way of block grants to the National Roads Authority for the improvement and maintenance of national roads including the provision of safety facilities at schools located along the national road network. This involves the provision of school children signs, highlighted by flashing lights, which are activated as children enter or leave school.
