Traffic Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 July 2018

Wednesday, 11 July 2018

Questions (494)

Catherine Martin

Question:

494. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to amend section 96 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 in order to allow local authorities to provide school traffic wardens over Luas lines and other rail lines, and over private roads that have not yet been taken in charge by the local authority; his further plans he has to tackle the issue of dangerous Luas and railway crossings near schools at which local authorities are unable to provide school traffic wardens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31376/18]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Road Traffic legislation deals with what happens on the public road and in a public place.  There is an important line in the law here – it cannot extend to address matters happening on private property or on railway lines. 

However, my Department is in contact with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, which has safety functions in relation to Luas lines, on this matter as it relates to such lines. I am working hard to see what solution can be found to address specific safety concerns at a certain Luas station, which has been raised with me recently.

In relation to rail lines generally, pedestrians should never trespass on them and should only cross them where a level crossing is provided and it is safe to do so.