Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022
192. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the legislation under which cycle lanes and cycle bollards are installed; and if the management of the council require consents to install such facilities. [3113/22]
View answerDuring the Covid-19 pandemic, many local authorities sought to implement certain transport related measures on roads and streets. The types of measures developed included widening of footpaths to accommodate social distancing, developing of temporary cycling facilities, enhancing pedestrian movement including additional pedestrianisation, alterations to bus stops/routes, plus the introduction of lower speed limits. Most of the interventions were implemented through temporary construction involving bollards, pencil cones, plastic barriers, road markings and signage.
Under the Road Traffic Act (as amended) the making of speed limit bye-laws is a reserved function (it requires the approval of the Elected Council Members).
The two main legislative provisions to enable the implementation of the above physical measures are: Section 95 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as amended by Section 37 of the Road Traffic Act 1994) and Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994. Neither of these require approval by Councillors as the power to implement them lies with the Council Executive.
Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act of 2000 outlines the procedures that must be followed for local authority own development, the application of which is then prescribed in Part VIII of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. Measures introduced under Part VIII do require approval by Councillors.
