The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including bridges, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads or bridges are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
Under the Traffic Acts the Council is the authority responsible for the provision of all traffic signs within its functional area. The Traffic Signs Manual provides details of the traffic signs which may be used on roads in Ireland, including their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which each sign may be used and rules for positioning them. This Manual was updated in November 2010 replacing the 1996 edition.
Within the framework of the Traffic Signs Manual it is a matter for the Road Authority to determine the extent of signage on its local and regional roads. When undertaking this function it is important for the Road Authority to have regard to road safety and to provide clear and consistent signage. This will assist in avoiding roadside 'clutter' and reduces the potential for distracting drivers by providing too much or inconsistent information.
