Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004
190 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the recent report produced by IBEC which found that traffic congestion had got worse in Dublin over the past two years; the steps he intends to take to deal with this problem in view of the social and economic cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26988/04]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 112, to which I replied earlier today.
198 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the progress made with regard to the proposal to allow bus lanes on the hard shoulders of motorways; the precise timescale proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26984/04]
View answerI wish to ensure that as many practical measures as possible are taken to improve the movement of buses on the road network and thereby reduce journey times and congestion. In that regard, my Department is engaged in discussions with Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Dublin Transportation Office, the quality bus network project office and the National Roads Authority regarding the use of the hard shoulder on roads of motorways for bus lanes, particularly in and around the Dublin area. Necessary changes to traffic signs and parking regulations to support this initiative are being prepared at present.
Separately, the application of a separate speed limit to vehicles using a reserved hard shoulder may be required in certain circumstances and this is not currently provided for in primary legislation. To deal with this, the Road Traffic Bill 2004, published on 11 June, proposes to provide a legal basis for the introduction of a separate special speed limit on a hard shoulder in lieu of the speed limit that normally applies to that road. The Bill is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Pending enactment of the necessary legislation, the NRA and the quality bus network project office are identifying locations and making the necessary preparations at those locations where buses will be permitted to use the hard shoulder. Details will be announced in due course.
