Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004
203 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on a claim that his Department provides funds for traffic calming measures only when all other measures, including speed limit enforcement, have failed, and a high rate of serious accidents have been officially recorded. [13751/04]
View answerThe provision of traffic calming measures on non-national roads is a matter for the relevant local authority. They may use their own resources, as supplemented by grants from my Department, to fund such works.
In 2004, my Department allocated almost €2.8 million to local authorities in respect of low cost safety improvement works on non-national roads. The National Roads Authority assesses applications for grant assistance under the scheme on behalf of my Department. The approval criteria includes accident data, inspection of sites and evidence of locations showing demonstrable hazard. Examples of the types of works that may be carried out include road signage and works for improved vision at junctions.
In 2004, traffic management grants totalling €6.683 million were allocated to city councils. The scheme is primarily intended to assist the provision of urban traffic management schemes. Eligible works also include the provision of traffic calming measures in residential areas subject to the approval of my Department.
In 2004, a sum of €22 million was allocated for discretionary improvement grants. They may also fund traffic calming measures. A local authority is responsible for distributing these funds.
