Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There has been a worrying rise in road fatalities this year, with August the worst month on Irish roads since June 2012. There have been 136 fatalities on our roads this year, an increase of 23 on the same period last year. Almost 850 people have also been seriously injured in collisions. This is unacceptable. My Department, the Road Safety Authority, RSA, An Garda Síochána and other road safety partners are taking this matter seriously and working closely to improve the situation on our roads. The Government’s road safety strategy out to 2030 has the target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, and achieving Vision Zero by 2050. The strategy is in its first implementation phase, with close to 200 concrete actions under way to help deliver these targets.

In response to recent trends, I have prioritised certain high-impact actions. We know that speeding increases the likelihood of a collision. My Department recently published the speed limit review, which recommends safer speed limits on certain parts of the network. My officials are working on guidelines and legislation to give effect to these recommendations as soon as possible. At my request, a cross-government group has also considered potential reforms to streamline and strengthen the penalty points system. Emergency legislation is in preparation and I hope that it will be signed into law before Christmas. We are also urgently implementing additional education and awareness campaigns targeting road user behaviour. Options are also being considered for a campaign to encourage fleet owners to install alcohol interlock devices in their vehicles. Another priority is to review the driver testing curriculum to ensure it is fit for purpose and future-proofed. This review will be informed by research into evolving driver behaviour and international best practice to produce recommendations on driver education in Ireland.

Road safety is a foremost priority for me and the Government. Every death is one too many. We know of the life-changing impact that serious injuries can have for victims, families, friends and communities. Everyone is entitled to use our roads and, importantly, to be safe on our roads.

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