Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 October 2017
157. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application to extend the speed limit at the entrances to Abbeyknockmoy along the N63 has been submitted (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43259/17]
View answer158. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the provision which has been put in place to address resurfacing, signage, reducing open space, reducing of the speed limit and downgrading of the old N63 of Annagh Hill, Ballyglunnin, Abbeyknockmoy, County Galway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43260/17]
View answer159. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the provision which has been put in place to address resurfacing, signage, reducing open space, reducing of the speed limit and downgrading of the old Athenry Road, Annagh Cross, Ballyglunnin, Abbeyknockmoy, County Galway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43261/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 to 159, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and operation of individual road projects is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
As regards speed limits on national roads, the application of Special Speed Limits, i.e. speed limits other than the default speed limits, are provided for in Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, which gives local authorities the power to make bye-laws ("special speed limit bye-laws") in respect of any specified public road or specified part of a public road or specified carriageway or lane of a public road within its administrative area. Under the Act, local authorities are required to give notice to and consider representations from, any borough or town in the administrative county concerned and also the Garda Commissioner. The public must be informed by way of Press Notice in at least two daily newspapers.
The 2004 Act also states that a county council or city council shall not make bye-laws relating to a national road or a motorway without the prior written consent of the National Roads Authority (now Transport Infrastructure Ireland or TII).
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
