Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018
494. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if local authorities and other road designers are required to implement the national cycle manual on all roads other than motorways; and if those roads have been identified in the greater Dublin area cycle network plan. [46691/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has inter alia statutory responsibility for the provision of cycling infrastructure in relation to cycling facilities and schemes to promote cycling.
In line with that statutory responsibility, the NTA prepared the National Cycle Manual in order to guide planners and engineers in their work in so far as it relates to cycling. The NTA requires cycling infrastructure proposals in receipt of funding under an NTA scheme to adhere to the Manual's specifications.
Separately, the Deputy may also be aware of the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) which was jointly published by my Department and the then Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in 2013. Preparation and publication of DMURS was one of the actions recommended within the National Cycle Policy Framework.
DMURS complements the National Cycle Manual and integrates elements of the Manual within DMURS requirements. Use of DMURS is mandatory for both the design of new urban roads and street schemes as well as in instances where significant upgrades are being designed.
The Deputy might wish to know that in relation to Greenways and rural cycling infrastructure, local authorities receiving funding from my Department are instructed to follow TII Standard DN-GEO-03047 where applicable and to notify my Department where any deviations to the standard are necessary.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter generally, and in relation to the development of the GDA Cycle Network Plan specifically, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
