Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 December 2018
34. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when variable speed limits will become operational on the M50; the progress to date on this issue; the remaining issues and associated timeline to complete the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51993/18]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, operation and development of individual road projects is a matter for
(a) the relevant road authority (i.e. local authorities in whose functional area a road development is situated) in relation to local and regional roads, or
(b) Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads.
This project falls under the remit of TII and noting the above position, I have forwarded the question to TII for a direct reply to you on an update on operational progress and timeline. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
I can advise, however, that appropriate legislative provisions will be required to implement and enforce the introduction of variable speed limits (VSL). The regulatory provisions needed to allow TII the powers to regulate VSL are to be provided by an amendment to Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act. The amendment is being progressed through my Department's Road Safety Division, in the context of a draft Bill, the Road Traffic Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, the general scheme for which I intend to bring to cabinet for approval next week.
