Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 1051: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the numbers of road fatalities in 2011; the way they compare to previous years; if he will provide a breakdown by county of same; and if he will outline his priorities for road safety in 2012. [1376/12]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1057: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the numbers of road fatalities in 2011; the way they compare to previous years; if he will provide a breakdown by county of same; and if he will outline his priorities for road safety in 2012. [1496/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1051 and 1057 together.

Statistics show that there were 186 fatalities on Irish roads in 2011. This represents the lowest number of annual fatalities since records began, is a reduction of 26 (or 12.5%) on 2010 and is half the number of fatalities (376) of ten years ago in 2002. The challenge for everyone involved, including legislators, enforcement agencies and the road users is to make sure that the 2011 figure is not exceeded. The initiatives undertaken by Government Departments and agencies such as the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána has brought about a change in driver culture and resulted in the improvement of recent years. I will ensure that, in 2012 and future years, the same priority will be given to road safety matters.

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the analysis of road safety collision statistics. Therefore, a breakdown of the fatalities figure can only be provided by the RSA.

I have referred that part of the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.