Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 3

Written Answers. - Road Traffic Regulations.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

538 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to the application being made by undertakers that funeral corteges be able to use bus lanes in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25235/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

The use of bus lanes in this country is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic & Parking) Regulations 1997, the primary purpose of which is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport. These regulations generally limit the use of bus lanes to buses and, in the case of with-flow bus lanes, to cyclists. Having regard to the role of taxis in providing on-street immediate hire services, an exemption to that limitation is allowed in respect of taxis when they are being used in the course of business.

An overriding concern is the carrying capacity of bus lanes and the potential that their primary role to provide bus priority could be undermined if other vehicles are allowed access. While I have not received any correspondence from funeral director interests seeking that funeral cortèges be permitted to use bus lanes, representations seeking to extend access to bus lanes have been received in relation to a wide range of other road users, including hackney and limousine operators and motorcyclists. I do not have any immediate proposals to review the question of extending access to bus lanes to other road users. However, as I have already indicated on a previous occasion in this House, I will review the question when the number of bus lanes has doubled.