Finian McGrath
Question:575. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding dangerous cyclists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3634/14]
View answerTuesday, 28 January 2014
Questions (575)
Written answers
The Deputy will be aware from my response on 1 October, 2013, as set out below, that I brought his concerns surrounding this location to the attention of the Garda authorities.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to by the Deputy is in the Ballymun District. The Deputy will appreciate that roads policing is principally an operational matter for the Garda authorities. As set out in my earlier response below, I am assured that members of An Garda Síochána enforce the law on pedal cycling as part of their normal duties at that location on an ongoing basis, including targeted intelligence led operations which take into account the interaction of cyclists, pedestrians and vehicular traffic.
I am further informed that a cycle safety initiative was held on 10 December, 2013 and that operation was highlighted through social media. In addition to the regular Garda patrols conducted in the area referred to by the Deputy a number of cycle safety initiatives have been conducted with the Road Safety Authority and the Divisional traffic Unit. I am assured that the Community Garda allocated to the primary school at this specific location delivered cycle/road safety modules to students in June and October 2013 with the overall objective of increasing awareness and and compliance.
Garda Management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the area concerned including regular Garda patrols augmented by the Divisional Traffic Unit as required. I am assured the situation will be kept under review.
PQ 4122/13 response of 1 October, 2013
The Deputy will be aware that members of An Garda Síochána enforce the law on pedal cycling as part of their normal duties. In addition to day to day enforcement of the relevant provisions of the Road Traffic Acts, breaches of the legislation are regularly targeted by way of specific Garda operations which take into account the interaction of cyclists, pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Where breaches of legislation are detected, members of An Garda Síochána, depending on the circumstances, may deal with the incident by way of advice or caution or by initiating criminal proceedings. I have brought the Deputy's concerns surrounding the specific location in question to the attention of the Garda authorities for any appropriate action.