I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 133 together.
Statutory responsibility for the application of special speed limits through the making of special speed limit bye-laws is vested in the elected members of county councils and city councils. In 2005 statutory guidance was issued to Local Authorities on the setting of special speed limits in accordance with Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004. These Guidelines were revised and issued to Local Authorities again in December 2008. They set out principles to guide local authorities in setting special speed limits and, under Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, application by local authorities of the 30 km per hour speed limit must be in accordance with the criteria set in the guidelines.
In setting a speed limit a local authority must assess various factors with the primary focus being on road safety. It is, quite appropriately, a matter for the local authority to assess the various factors at play in setting a special speed limit including compliance with the criteria set in the guidelines. Any assessment of the impact of the new 30 km per hour zone in Dublin city centre can only be made following a period of time in operation. Responsibility for the erection of signage and public awareness regarding new special speed limits are also matters for the local authority concerned. Public awareness campaigns regarding road safety are the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.