Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 40: To ask the Minister for Transport the status of his road safety strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39519/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The overall objective of the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 is to save lives and prevent serious injuries, through a combination of education, enforcement, engineering and other actions, thereby bringing Ireland in line with best practice countries in road safety terms.

The Strategy is being systematically implemented across a range of agencies, and we have seen a sustained reduction in the number of people killed on our roads. The total for 2008, at 279 was the lowest since records began, and the downward trend continues this year, with a total of 198 to end October.

The Road Safety Authority is required to report to me annually on the implementation of the 126 actions in the Strategy, all of which identify the lead agency responsible for implementation and a target implementation date.

The report for the year 2008 is currently being finalised, but it is clear from communication with the RSA that substantial progress has been made. Many of the Actions for that year have been completed and substantial progress has been made on the majority of the rest.