Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to share time with Deputies Kyne, Conlan, and Farrell. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013. It is another important reforming item of legislation from the Government and makes an important contribution to our environmental obligations as a country as well as addressing a significant loss to our national finances. The false declaration of motor vehicles as being off the road is known to be rife in Ireland. While there can be legitimate situations, the making of such a declaration is not verified and thus open to abuse. Almost €1 billion is paid into the local government fund each year from motor tax. This is an important and much needed contribution to our road network. In many parts of County Meath, more money is needed just for pothole filling. Anyone who canvassed during the by-election witnessed that point. They will agree we need to find more money to fill potholes and build roads. I am sure it does not apply just to Meath but it is a prime example of an area with heavy traffic and we need to address the situation. We need to collect money that belongs to this country.

The motor tax evasion rate is estimated to be in the region of 5% annually. With a total tax take of €1 billion, the evasion is worth €50 million in cash terms. However, the calculation is based on the last major roadside survey, conducted in 2001, so the figure could be higher. One of the areas where this Government and its predecessors over the past ten years can take some credit and satisfaction for using such resources is in the significant progress in road safety. Every life lost is one too many but we are a long way to from the daily carnage that the early 2000s represented for far too many families and local communities.

This has been achieved through a range of measures that are not always popular but certainly work, including penalty points, speed checks, NCT testing, tougher licensing laws, road improvements and tougher drink driving laws. The role of our new motorway network and other road improvements cannot be discounted either. The momentum on these important initiatives must be maintained. The Road Safety Authority tells us the number of deaths on Irish roads in 2011 was 186, down 26 on 2010 figures and 53 on 2009 figures. These figures represent families who still have dads and mums, sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters. However, more needs to be done to address the fact that 70% of road deaths are males. One third of the people who die on our roads are under 24, a huge waste of young talent and potential. Rush hour, between 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays, which herald the start of the weekend, are statistically the most dangerous times for fatalities.

I would like to see savings from this Bill directed towards road safety measures at our schools. While I mentioned that we want the money for potholes, we also need to target new road safety initiatives. Schools arise as an example where there are gaps in our funding. I would like to use this occasion to direct the attention of the Minister to the case of Rathmore national school as an example of one that needs money for specific road safety measures. Rathmore national school is situated on a national route, the N51 from Navan to Athboy. The school needs additional safety measures to slow down traffic. Parents agree this must be done. The school is situated in the countryside and, although relatively isolated along the N51, this makes its situation more dangerous as motorists feel they can maintain their speed. The school serves a large hinterland, drawing pupils from within the radius of Cortown to Kilbride, Rathcairn to Athboy. This issue has been highlighted over the years by members of Government, the Garda Síochána, the county council, the NRA and the NTA. There has been a relatively positive response by agencies to the problem of speeding at the school. The Garda Síochána has increased the number of speed checks and extra signage has been put up. These measures have had some results but motorists persist in speeding. Lorries and cars do not realise there is a school there. It has become clear that a change in policy of how NTA funding can be used in such instances is needed. Funding is needed for proper pedestrian crossings, signage and speed limit checks to allow pupils and parents be safer outside their schools along national routes in rural areas. Currently, NTA funding can only be given to link schools to towns, villages and housing estates with properly resourced safe pedestrian crossings and paths.

This simple measure would allow huge progress for schools like Rathmore national school. These schools are located on national routes throughout the country and one sees them in Mayo, Tipperary and elsewhere. They do not fit into the right box to get funding to solve a problem. In some cases, it is for speed limit checks, more signs or proper car parking. It is a sad irony that a school's location on a major national artery is a disability to it accessing important safety measures but that seems to the be case in this situation.

I urge the Minister to pursue this particular matter and I am happy to supply him with any further information from schools like Rathmore national school. With the money we will collect as a result of this Bill, we could target another area and solve another problem, which does not fit it any box currently.

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