Road Safety.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 June 2005

Wednesday, 22 June 2005

Questions (22, 23)

Jerry Cowley

Question:

32 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the fatal road accident and the death of a person (details supplied) he will take steps to ensure that the existing regulations are imposed such that safe practices are implemented by those carrying out road reconstruction and road works; if he will conduct an investigation of all fatal and serious road traffic accidents to assess the effect that road conditions and road works have in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21086/05]

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

102 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport if he will carry out any investigation into the dangers of temporary road surfaces in view of the recent Meath school bus crash tragedy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21214/05]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 102 together.

The National Roads Authority, NRA, has published for use in connection with the national road network, specifications for road works and a design manual for roads and bridges and regularly monitors and updates these documents as required. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, DOEHLG, has published similar guidelines.

My Department does not investigate road traffic accidents which are investigated by the Garda Síochána. Depending on the circumstances, other agencies may also conduct investigations. In cases such as the recent school bus tragedy, Bus Éireann and the Health and Safety Authority are already conducting an investigation.

The outcome of all investigations into road traffic accidents are taken into account by the NRA and the DOEHLG in updating the guidance material to which I referred.