COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 11, 2026

QUESTION NO. 8

QUESTION: Councillor R. Mannion

To ask the Manager to detail the processes in place to ensure road works and adjustments are completed to the specifications given e.g. distance from corner to cycle track bollards and how sharp some corners are being made for traffic calming measures

REPLY:

New road schemes, junction layouts, traffic calming measures and cyclist and pedestrian facilities are designed in accordance with the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) and the Cycle Design Manual, 2023.

DMURS provides guidance on junction geometry, corner tightness and design speeds to ensure lower vehicle speeds while still accommodating necessary vehicle movements. The Cycle Design Manual sets minimum and desirable distances for features such as bollards, kerbs and build-outs relative to cycle tracks, to ensure cyclist safety, visibility and accessibility. Traffic calming guidance informs the use of measures such as tightened junction radii, build-outs, raised tables and priority changes, ensuring they are effective while remaining safe and navigable.

All designs are subject to internal technical review by the Council’s Roads, Transportation and Active Travel teams prior to approval. Where schemes are complex or located on strategic routes or are funded by external agencies, further engagement can take place with external agencies such as the National Transport Authority.

At the construction stage, works are inspected by Council engineering staff to ensure they are being delivered in accordance with the approved drawings and specifications. This includes checks on dimensions, set-backs, gradients, surface finishes and the positioning of features such as cycle track bollards and kerb alignments. Any deviations identified during inspection must be corrected before works are certified as complete.

In addition, a Road Safety Audit (RSA) process applies to relevant schemes, particularly where new junctions, traffic calming measures or cycling infrastructure are introduced. The RSA process independently examines how the completed layout operates in practice and may recommend modifications where safety concerns are identified.

This approach ensures that traffic calming and active travel measures balance safety, accessibility, and the needs of all road users.