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

I share the Deputy's sympathies with the families of the three people who were killed in Carlow overnight.

Published in December 2021, the Government’s road safety strategy for 2021 to 2030 has the target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% this decade. It is underpinned by the Vision Zero policy. Vision Zero has been adopted across the EU and aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads. The second annual review of the road safety strategy took place on 18 January, where a wide range of road safety stakeholders considered progress to date and what we can prioritise to have an impact in 2024. Specific priorities for the coming months include the development of a national strategy for camera-based enforcement, addressing the multiple learner permit issue and improving many of the road safety education initiatives.

Work has commenced on implementing the recommendations of the speed limit review, published last September. Updated guidelines for local authorities are expected to be concluded this quarter and the safer default speed limits called for by the review will be legislated for by the Road Traffic Bill 2024, which will be coming before the Dáil in the next couple of weeks. This is a concise Bill focused on key road safety issues, and in addition to legislating for safer default speed limits, it will also introduce mandatory drug testing at the scene of serious traffic collisions and reform the penalty points system so motorists receive multiple sets of penalty points where multiple offences are committed.

The delivery of a national roads network that is safe and robust is a key priority of Government. As part of the national development plan, a number of new roads projects are being developed, which in many cases replace existing roads with a poor safety rating. An example of such a road is the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom project. Furthermore, TII’s protection and renewal programme for existing roads has safety as a primary focus. This funds vital work including minor upgrades to realign roads at dangerous bends, and pavement repair.

It is also important to emphasise that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of all members of An Garda Síochána. Road safety is a foremost priority for me. It is important that we strengthen the number of road safety initiatives this year.

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