Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2012
688. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress that has been made on the issues of mutual recognition of penalty points North and South of the Border, the A5 and A8 road projects and the development and delivery of North-South safety strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54366/12]
View answerThe mutual recognition of penalty points is being dealt with under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council. Steering and Working Groups have been established to take this work forward and the timetable of key milestones has been agreed for having the necessary primary and secondary legislation in place by 31 December 2014. Both Groups have met on a number of occasions and steady progress is being made.
In relation to works on the A5, I understand that, while the necessary orders have been made to facilitate construction of the two approved sections, the Northern Ireland Department for Regional Development's decision to proceed with the scheme is currently the subject of a legal challenge. In relation to the A8, I understand that works have commenced and are expected to be completed by early 2015. The sharing of knowledge and experience, including that relating to the lowering of blood alcohol concentration levels for drivers, is continuing between officials from both jurisdictions. The focus remains on the development and delivery of road safety strategies, both North and South, to ensure the best approach towards reducing the number and severity of injuries across the island.
