COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 11, 2023

QUESTION NO. 42

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

To ask the CEO if any contact has been received from NCBI seeking support for the "Clear Our Paths" campaign; does he plan actions in that regard and will he make a statement? Charlie O'Connor

REPLY:

The NCBI "Clear our Paths" campaign was launched in May 2023.  This campaign urges members of the public to think about the obstacles on our footpaths that make safe and independent travel difficult for people with sight loss.

It is one of a number of initiatives and directives to which Roads Authorities adhere to in order to establish and maintain safe and free passageway for road and footpath users, including those with low or no vision.

"Clear our Paths" relates to addressing obstacles including cars parked on footpaths, wheelie bins, election posters, overhanging branches, dog litter and bicycles tied to poles.  

DMURS is the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, and provides measures for safe and accessible routes which encourage a culture for walking. These include improving the surface of footpaths, widening footpaths if possible in areas of high pedestrian flow, and clearing footpaths of unnecessary street furniture / rationalising signage poles etc.

The National Disability Authority (NDA), provides information and advice to the Government and Roads Authorities on policy and practice relevant to the lives of persons with disabilities, and highlight issues relative to street infrastructure seeking an incorporation of universal design / design for all approach. 

The Council must also have due regard for various pieces of legislation and Road Safety Campaigns, which urge all drivers to park responsibly and not to park on footpaths or cycle lanes. 

The penalties for motorists who park on footpaths, cycle tracks and bus lanes increased in February 2022, with the fixed charge notice doubling from €40 to €80 for motorists caught parking on footpaths, cycle tracks and bus lanes due to this being recognised as a road safety issue, with such illegal parking putting pedestrians in danger, potentially in the path of cars, buses, or cyclists.