Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2015
205. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on all new road signs giving equal prominence to the Irish and English languages; if his Department looked at the feasibility of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12326/15]
View answerThe primary motivation in relation to the display of text on road traffic signs is to ensure that the information they carry assists in the safe use of the road network and provides clarity for road users so as not to compromise road safety.
The rules governing the design of road traffic signs are set out in my Department's Traffic Signs Manual. The current bi-lingual design for road signs has been in place since 1996.
This had led to a clear set of rules in respect of the design of traffic signs that convey an intuitive understanding of bi-lingual destinations for both residents and visitors alike.
I am aware that my predecessor saw some merit in having a small number of signs, in a format proposed in a report commissioned by Conradh na Gaeilge, erected at a few high profile locations around the country in order to test public perceptions. The Deputy will appreciate that my priority at all times is focused on road safety and before that suggestion might be advanced any further, I would wish to review the position to ensure that any modification to the display of text on our road signs will not compromise road safety in any way.
