Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
161. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if at design and implementation stage for all active travel measures since he assumed office, including all emergency active travel measures brought in during Covid, full cognisance of the statutory requirements of the Disability Act 2005 were met and implemented; if not, where did this occurred; and the reason. [51096/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra162. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if at design and implementation stage for all active travel measures since he assumed office, including all emergency active travel measures brought in during Covid, full consultation with the emergency services was conducted to ensure access for all emergency vehicles was maintained. [51097/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for providing overall funding and developing overarching policy in relation to Active Travel. Responsibility for the delivery of projects is a matter for each individual local authority, with oversight from the National Transport Authority (NTA). Design and implementation requirements, particularly relating to consultation, can differ from project to project. The NTA works with local authorities to ensure that each of the active travel projects funded by the Department of Transport, totalling over 1,200, complies with the necessary requirements in relation to public and stakeholder consultation as well as those outlined within the Disability Act 2005.
To assist with this compliance, the Department of Transport and the NTA provide guidance and instruction to local authorities. A recent example of this is guidelines issued by my Department to local authorities to clarify their authority to install infrastructure under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act. The guidelines set out types of works that can be undertaken, processes that apply for permanent works and procedures for temporary or 'trial' works. Such processes and procedures allow for consultation and related Traffic Works Orders.
In addition, the NTA last year issued a letter to local authorities highlighting obligations under the UN Convention of the Rights of People with Disabilities, with a particular focus on consultation with disability stakeholders groups. The letter contained a number of recommendations to local authorities in this regard.
