Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1712. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the policy used by the National Roads Authority in situating road direction signs; the reason they specify certain towns over others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34106/14]
View answerThe construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993-2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. More specifically, the NRA has responsibility for the provision of signage under Section 19 of the Act.
Directional signage on national roads is provided in accordance with guidelines set out in the Traffic Signs Manual, published by my Department. 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 NRA and relevant road authorities to determine the extent of signage on roads. When undertaking this function it is important to have regard to road safety and to provide clear and consistent signage. This assists in avoiding roadside ‘clutter’ and reduces the potential for distracting drivers by providing too much or inconsistent information.
