Road Network

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 June 2012

Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Ceisteanna (642, 643)

Seán Kyne

Ceist:

739 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if speed limits on motorways will be increased to bring them into line with other European jurisdictions, for example 130 km/h in France; if consideration will be given to the introduction of motorway control systems along the main motorways in the country, for example M4, M6, which would allow for the periodic setting of speed limits on these roads by taking into account environmental and weather condition and so forth. [29693/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

I have no proposals at present to increase the maximum speed limit applicable to motorways. My Department has set up a Review Group to examine a range of issues pertaining to speed limits on the roads network. I will consider any final recommendations from that review group in due course. As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the roads programme. The implementation of individual national road projects, including the provision of variable message signs, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act 1993, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. I have referred this element of the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Seán Kyne

Ceist:

740 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if on the completion of the upgrade works to the Athlone bypass stretch of the M6, this roadway will be re-designated a motorway. [29694/12]

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

In 2008, the National Roads Authority (NRA) made an application to my Department for the redesignation of the N6 Athlone Bypass as a motorway. This application was carefully considered but was ultimately turned down for various reasons, including the fact that this would result in pedestrians, cyclists and agricultural vehicles being prohibited from using the bypass. I have no plans to redesignate this road at present.