Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
43. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the extent of incorrect spelling (details supplied) on national road signs related to town names and placenames; the person or body with the responsibility for rectifying same; and his plans to address the correction of signage to rectify the matter. [17710/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad traffic signs inform road users and provide direction, warning and guidance needed for the safe and efficient operation of traffic. Directional information signs are those which advise drivers of the correct route to their destination.
The Signage and Delineation on Irish roads are designed and installed in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual, published by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, which is the standard for signing and road marking in this country.
Terminal Destinations for National Primary Route signage together with Terminal and Intermediate Destinations for National Secondary Route signage are outlined respectively in Table 2.2.5 and Table 2.2.6 of the Traffic Signs Manual. However, the Traffic Signs Manual does not contain a definitive list of all destinations that would be referenced on signs on all national primary and national secondary signs across the country.
In determining the correct form and spelling of place names to be used on road signage, reference is made to Gasaitéar na hÉireann (the Gazetteer of Ireland), published by the Place-Names Branch of the Ordnance Survey. There are cases where the spelling that local people use for certain place names within their own locality differ from what is contained in the Gazetteer.
As Directional road signage is generally provided for use more by road users unfamiliar with an area, rather than by locals who do not require directional information, it is important that the information on the signs accords with that on road maps. The place names in the Gasaitéar are those used on the Ordnance Survey mapping.
The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Act 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. More specifically, TII has responsibility for the provision of signage under Section 19 of the Act.
Directional signage on national roads is provided in accordance with guidelines set out in the Traffic Signs Manual, published by my Department. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply in that regard. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
