Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Transport, in view of the high number of road traffic accidents, his views on whether a greater than recognised number of road traffic accidents are due to road conditions; the steps he is taking to ensure that public safety is protected through proper observance of recommendations that already exist and may not be complied with or may not be enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37039/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The latest available analysis from the National Roads Authority, NRA, of the factors contributing to fatal and injury accidents, as published in Road Collision Facts — Ireland 2003, indicates that behaviour of drivers, at 86%, and pedestrians, at10%, are the key contributory factors, whereas road factors were identified as contributory factors in only 2.8% of fatal and serious injury collisions. The corresponding figures for 1998 were 79% for driver behaviour, 12% for pedestrians and 5% for road conditions.

Despite the fact that the level of injuries and fatalities that can be directly attributed to road-related issues is relatively small and decreasing, it is still vitally important that any risk posed by the road is minimised. In recognition of this the NRA funds an extensive programme of engineering works with the aim of improving road safety and dealing with accident black spots on national roads.

The NRA has an extensive high risk accident black spot remedial programme that aims to reduce the number and severity of accidents occurring on the existing network of national roads. An average of 80 such locations are treated each year. In addition the NRA has introduced a new initiative this year, the high cost remedial measures programme, where more expensive works are required to solve the accident problems at particular locations. A total of 12 sites have been targeted this year, at a cost of nearly €2 million.

Furthermore, the major investment in the upgrade of the national roads network, in excess of €18 billion over the lifetime of Transport 21, is also delivering a major road safety dividend. New roads, constructed to best practice standards, help to reduce road accidents and fatalities.

The safe management of road improvement works is a matter for the road authorities involved and their contractors. I understand that requirements and standards on pavement improvement works and resurfacing and the signage of such works are set out in the NRA Specification for Road Works and two circular letters issued by the NRA in March and May 2002. I understand that the NRA has since consolidated and re-issued these circulars supplementing, where appropriate, the previous guidance.

The timely completion of road improvement works in accordance with these requirements is a matter for the local authority concerned and, as part of its overall supervision of the national roads programme, the NRA.