Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to speak to us.

Every single death is a tragedy for victims, families, friends and communities. However, the new speed limits were a knee-jerk reaction to an issue that was more complicated. Speed can be a factor in road deaths but it is not the only issue that contributes to the loss of lives on our roads. For example, motorways have a high speed limit and are four times safer than single-carriage roads, and that is because they are safe roads to travel on. Poor road surfaces, bad roads, bumpy roads, bendy roads, potholes, roads with their entire edges eroded, poor lighting, water running onto public roads and dangerous dips are huge problems in my county.The reason we have so many of these hazards is a lack of investment in our roads. Local authorities can spend only what they are given. Punishing all motorists, who, in the main, are responsible road users, is not the answer. The public feel they are once again being targeted as an easy scapegoat designed to take the focus off the real issue with our roads, which is funding.

I listened as someone from the Road Safety Authority jumped on the bandwagon following the speed limit review. He also placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of motorists, particularly young motorists. Again, there was no mention of dangerous driving, the use of mobile phones, texting, drugs, drink or suicide. There was no mention of overgrown trees and hedges jutting out onto roads and forcing HGV, bus and van drivers to drive in the middle of the road to avoid damaging their vehicles. When a mirror is ripped off a lorry or bus, it can cost upwards of €350 to replace. A bus cannot really travel without a mirror. Local authorities need to be funded. They are not fully funded to enforce safety measures. What is the Road Safety Authority doing about these issues? Is it failing in its remit? Can it justify its future existence to the taxpayer? Is it not time the authority talked to regular road users such as lorry drivers, couriers and hauliers? Is it not time it did something other than taking the easy option of blaming the motorist?

On enforcement, where is the Garda in all this? Is it resourced enough to police our roads properly? Is it choosing the easy option? It is very easy to place yourself inside a 50 km/h speed-limit zone with a speed gun.

On transport, Infrastructure Ireland outlined concerns about funding cuts in a 12-page pre-budget briefing document. It stated that cuts could lead to increases in fatalities and serious injuries due to delays affecting new projects and improvements of dangerous sections of national roads. The bypass in Virginia was named in the document. It was stated that four lives would be lost and there was a prediction of five injuries if the project is delayed. That is very serious. Will the Minister properly fund the roads and fast-track the major projects?