Teresa Costello (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the Seanad. It is important that we have this opportunity to speak to him today about an issue that affects us all. It is not just a matter of statistics, but is about the lives of our fellow citizens and the safety of our families, friends and communities.Over the past two decades we have seen a significant reduction in road fatalities in Ireland. In 1997, we tragically lost 472 lives on our roads. By 2021, this number had been reduced to 137. This transformation is a testament to the work of the Department of Transport, the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána and many other stakeholders who have worked together to make our roads safer.

However, despite this progress, it was very worrying to see a recent reversal of this trend. In 2024, there have been 174 deaths on our roads and, tragically, 35 people have lost their lives in road incidents this year alone. This serves as a stark reminder that we cannot be complacent in our efforts to reduce fatalities and injuries on our roads. The causes of these deaths are clear: speeding, distracted driving, not wearing seat belts and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These are all preventable behaviours and ultimately come down to one thing, personal responsibility. Whether we are behind a wheel, on a bicycle or walking in the street, we all have a responsibility to be aware of our actions and the safety of those around us.

While much has been done to improve road safety, we must continue to be vigilant. Road safety is not solely the responsibility of authorities. It is a shared responsibility. We all have a role to play in making sure that everybody who uses our roads, whether motorists, cyclists or pedestrians, can do so safely. The Department of Transport continues to make road safety a priority and the approach is clear. We must save lives and prevent serious injuries for all road users. The starting point is recognising that road deaths and serious injuries should not be the price we pay for mobility. This is a fundamental principle that underpins Ireland’s Government Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. This strategy sets out an ambitious goal to reduce serious injuries and fatalities by 50% by 2030 and to achieve Vision Zero by 2050. This is something we must strive for.

In addition to national efforts, it is important to address specific local concerns. In my constituency of Dublin South-West, particularly Tallaght, I have received reports from motorists who feel less safe due to certain changes in road designs under the design manual for urban roads and streets, DMURS. While I fully support measures to encourage active travel, such as safer cycling and pedestrian paths, it is equally important that we also consider the needs of motorists. In particular, some road narrowing measures, such as those seen on Firhouse Road West, have raised concerns. The narrowing of junctions has made drivers feel less safe, with many overshooting white lines at busy intersections. I believe it is time to revisit the DMURS standards. I could be wrong, but I believe that the last time it was reviewed was in 2019, so we need to assess whether some aspects of these designs are achieving their intended safety outcomes or simply causing unnecessary distress for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. I would also like to see more opportunity for vital input from local councillors when projects are being planned, because their input is invaluable.

Another ongoing issue in the constituency is poor lighting, which continues to be a significant concern. Delays in repairing public lighting, particularly due to issues with parts and labour, have made certain areas darker and more hazardous. I acknowledge that these issues are not the fault of South Dublin County Council, which is always extremely responsive, but I would like to see a more focused effort from ESB Networks to prioritise the repair of street lights, pedestrian crossings and traffic lights as urgent matters. Well-lit roads and streets are essential to ensuring safety, especially at night.

While we have made great strides in improving road safety, there is still much to do. Ireland’s Government Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 is an important step forward but it will require ongoing collaboration and commitment from all sectors of society, government, local authorities, law enforcement and the public to make our roads safer for everyone.