Vol. 519 No. 7
3 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when it is intended to adopt the EN 1317 standard for road restraint systems, namely crash barriers; and if he will make a statement on the matter [14626/00]
It is envisaged that European Standard EN 1317 relating to road restraint systems will comprise of six parts, which are set out in details circulated in the Official Report.
I have no responsibility in relation to the adoption of European standards, which is the responsibility of the National Standards Authority of Ireland. I understand from the NSAI that the normal procedure is for these standards to be adopted as Irish standards following their publication as European standards. Parts 1 and 2 have been published as Irish standards since November 1998. Part 3 was due to be published as a European standard on 24 May 2000, and will be adopted as an Irish standard by NSAI in accordance with the procedure outlined. Parts 4, 5 and 6 have not yet been published as European standards.
The position in relation to the approval of appropriate road restraint systems for Irish roads is that road authorities are required, when installing crash barriers, to comply with the provisions outlined in a specification for road works, which has been used on an ad hoc basis pending publication of an updated specification for road works by the National Roads Authority. I understand from the NRA that this review of the specification for road works is intended to address the appropriate application of EN 1317, or corresponding Irish standards, to future Irish road works.
European Standard EN 1317 relating to road restraint systems
Part1–Terminology and general criteria for test methods.
Part2–Performance classes, impact test acceptance criteria and test methods for safety barriers.
Part3–Performance classes, impact test acceptance criteria and test methods for crash cushions.
Part4–Performance classes, impact tests acceptance criteria and test methods for terminals and transitions of safety barriers.
Part5–Durability and evaluation of conformity.
Part6–Pedestrian restraint systems, pedestrian parapet.
Is the Minister aware that this European standard should have been adopted in Ireland by October 1998 at the latest? Is he happy that one part was adopted in November 1998 and that the remainder has yet to be adopted? Does he regard it as satisfactory that since then we have been building roads and intend to build roads which have crash barriers below the European standard? Is he content to wait for the NSAI to catch up or will he take any further measures to ensure this is done immediately?
I am not directly responsible for the NSAI. It has to do its business and I cannot intervene directly with the NSAI. I would hope the most up to date standards would be in place but it is not a matter that is directly within my remit.
Is it not the case that roads are directly within the Minister's remit? Does he not think it would be more appropriate for him to take some action to encourage, cajole or oblige the NSAI to take action rather than wash his hands of the matter, as he appears to be doing?
I have no problem encouraging the NSAI to set these standards. I have no problem encouraging the NRA and all the other authorities to ensure that nothing but the highest standards of safety are provided on our roads. I do it on a regular basis.
The Minister is not doing it. What exactly is he doing to encourage the NRA and the NSAI? Would he have done anything at all had I not raised the question here today?
This matter is being dealt with by the NSAI. It has already introduced up to part 3 of the published European standard. Part 3 is due to be published shortly. Parts 4, 5 and 6 are being advanced and will be finalised as quickly as possible. I do not have direct responsibility for the NSAI.
He could encourage it.
We must pass over Question No. 4.
