Seanad debates

Wednesday, 11 July 2012

10:30 am

Photo of Marie MoloneyMarie Moloney (Labour)

I refer to the high number of fatalities on the roads during the month of June. The figure for fatalities had been falling, but it rose again significantly last month. I commend the Garda for adhering to the terms of the Croke Park agreement and implementing its new roster, which means there are many more gardaĆ­ on the roads in squad cars, etc. However, the one difficulty I have is that speed cameras always seem to be placed in 50 km/h zones. The number of deaths which occur in such zones is very low and accidents in them usually involve pedestrians. Speed cameras should be located on the open road where motorists are driving at high speed. Will the Leader ask the relevant Minister to come before the House, perhaps in the autumn session, for a debate on speed cameras, traffic calming measures and reducing the number of fatalities on the roads? As stated, the number in June was extremely high. Then, on 1 July, a 40 year old father of four was killed in a hit and run accident in County Kerry and, to date, no one has come forward to claim responsibility for his death. That accident got the month off to a very bad start. Perhaps the Leader might ask the Minister to come before the House for a debate on the matters to which I have referred.

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