Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004
190 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport his views on cycle lanes on the N18 road from Dromoland Road to Ballycasey, Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare; the criteria for cycle lanes for roads with no speed limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5386/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is understood that the road referred to by the Deputy is a section of the old N18 road which is now classified as a local road following the opening to traffic of the Newmarket-on-Fergus bypass. The provision of cycle lanes on local roads is a matter for the local authority concerned.
In recognition of the role that good road design and effective traffic management can play, the Dublin Transportation Office, in conjunction with my Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has prepared and published traffic management guidelines.
The purpose of this traffic management guidelines manual is to provide guidance on a variety of issues including traffic planning, traffic calming and management, and the provision of suitably designed facilities for vulnerable road users, including cyclists. It also focuses on how these issues must be examined and implemented in the context of overall transportation and land use policies.
This manual is intended to provide assistance to a wide range of people including local authority officials, developers, voluntary organisations and the general public and also Departments and their agencies. In particular, it provides guidance for engineers, planners, architects and policy makers working on behalf of local authorities, developers, Departments and also for the Garda Síochána. A copy of this manual has been issued to all major local authorities.
Specifically in relation to facilities for cyclists, a revised cycling design manual, which will be national in application, will be published by the DTO shortly. Copies of this manual will also be issued to local authorities.
