Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
85. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department have conducted health and safety analysis following junction narrowing works to assess the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. [53255/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State grants. Regarding the four Dublin Councils, arising from the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts, the four Dublin Councils are largely self-funding for works on regional and local roads since 2015 and my Department no longer provides grants to these Councils under the main regional and local road grant categories. It is therefore the responsibility of the local authority to ensure that junction improvements are applied, as appropriate, in the design of all urban road schemes.
The layout and geometry of priority junctions in urban areas can have a significant impact on the safety and comfort of people using the junction, particularly those using active travel modes of transport including walking, wheeling and cycling. Historically, most priority junctions in urban areas were designed to standards more applicable to rural roads which prioritised the movement of vehicular traffic, often at the expense of other road users. Large junctions with wide corner radii encourage high vehicle turning speeds, unofficial two lane exits and poor pedestrian crossing facilities, all of which pose a threat to the safety of those walking, wheeling and cycling. Moreover, large junctions negatively impact the most vulnerable in our society. This includes the disabled and elderly people who may struggle to traverse large junctions where vehicles travel at high speeds, thus risking both their safety and mental well-being as they attempt to navigate their way through the urban environment. Junctions are often critical links on any pedestrian route and can represent an area of potential conflict between pedestrians and vehicular traffic. It is therefore important that the layout and geometry of junctions facilitate and prioritise the safe passage of pedestrians in accordance with the national sustainable transport policy.
The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) was first launched in 2013 by the then Ministers for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Housing, Planning and Local Government. The goal of DMURS is to address street designs within urban areas and ensure that the street design considers the type of place in which the street is located while balancing the needs of all users. DMURS aims to put well designed streets at the heart of sustainable communities in order to create connected physical, social and transport networks that promote alternatives to car journeys. As such, DMURS should also be considered in line with other guidelines such as the Cycle Design Manual.
DMURS recommends that road safety audits be undertaken on the design of all roads and streets, where applicable. The purpose of these audits is to demonstrate that appropriate consideration has been given to all the relevant aspects of the design, including visual quality, how the street may be used by the community, road safety, access, walking, cycling, non-motorised users and community street and place checks. It is important to note that the Local Authority as sponsoring agency is responsible for ensuring that all the required audits are undertaken and remedial measures which may be required are put in place.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to junction tightening on the National Road network.
I also have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the roles of TII and the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to these agencies for a more detailed answer. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
