Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 1248: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made in relation to the development of road safety action plans to be piloted in 10 local authority areas; if these plans are currently operational and the anticipated outcomes of these projects; if these projects will now be mainstreamed; if the assessment of the role of local authority road safety officers has now been concluded; the outcome of this assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1472/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Prior to the establishment of the Road Safety Authority, the National Safety Council commenced, in consultation with my Department, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and the City and County Managers Association, the development of a template for road safety action plans to be piloted in 10 chosen local authority areas.

It was intended that the results of these pilots would inform the development of models which could subsequently be applied in all local authority areas throughout the country.

The project included an examination of the role of local authority Road Safety Officers by the Council in consultation with relevant Departments and agencies.

To date 6 local authorities have completed their strategic actions plans most of which will be launched in early 2007.

The RSA will continue to monitor, evaluate and develop the respective plans in conjunction with the various stakeholders.

I am advised that the RSA will specifically address this issue in the proposed new Road Safety Strategy and that there will be a formalisation of the role of local road safety working together groups in each local authority area.

I expect to receive the new Road Safety Strategy in March and that it will be submitted to Government for approval shortly thereafter.