Road Safety.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 February 2010

Tuesday, 9 February 2010

Questions (442)

Charles Flanagan

Question:

576 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to road safety concerns regarding access roads to the new secondary schools currently under construction at Portlaoise, County Laois; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the schools will have projected enrolment of up to 2,000 students and over 100 members of staff and that the roads serving the school area are unsuitable; his views on the need for an upgrade and realignment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6336/10]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

Responsibility for roads policy including road safety matters rests with the Minister for Transport, in the first instance. The issue of the adequacy or otherwise of local transport infrastructure to cater for new development, and inter alia in relation to schools infrastructure, is a matter for planning authorities and where relevant An Bord Pleanála in determining such planning applications pursuant to their functions as planning authorities under planning legislation, taking account of roads and transport policies and legislation for which the Minister for Transport is responsible and the policies of the relevant agencies under the aegis of the Department of Transport.