Brian Walsh (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

24. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the increase in the number of road deaths this year, reversing a downward trend that has seen the number of fatalities decline by around two thirds since 1997; the renewed efforts that are required to address this trend; his proposals regarding same. [36632/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As of 30th September 2014, the total number of fatalities on our roads in 2014 is 140.  That is a decrease of 4 on the same period last year.  From 415 deaths on our roads in 2001, we have seen a dramatic reduction to 190 deaths in 2013. However I am concerned that in the year 2013 there was an increase in road deaths from 2012.  

My officials and I meet regularly with all of the bodies and agencies that have responsibility for road safety, including the Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to ensure that all necessary measures are identified and taken to improve safety on our roads.

The Road Safety Strategy 2013 to 2020 was launched last year. This contains 144 Actions to be implemented by the various agencies involved in order to build on the previous Strategies with the objective of making Ireland among the safest countries for road safety.

Aside from the Strategy, the Road Traffic Act 2014, was signed into law by the President on 25th February.  This legislation introduces measures which will further contribute to road safety in the years to come. The Act provides for further Graduated Driver Licensing measures, adjustments to the penalty points system, increasing demerits for the most dangerous offences such as speeding and operating a mobile phone while driving.

My officials are also in the early stages of drafting the Road Traffic Bill 2014 which will contain further measures to improve safety on our roads.

I am satisfied that the actions set out in the Road Safety Strategy will be sufficient to allow Ireland to continue to make progress towards the objectives of reducing road deaths set out in the Strategy.