Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1018. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the safety of pedestrians on the public road network; if he has given consideration to the issues that arise where pedestrians use the roads at twilight or afterwards without adequate safety gear; his plans to introduce regulation or legislation in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1505/15]

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

I am concerned about the number of pedestrians that lost their lives on our roads in 2014. The total of 42, ranging across all age groups, was an increase of 11 over 2013. The Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020 sets out a number of Actions aimed at increasing the safety of pedestrians throughout the country. These Actions will be implemented by the State body identified in the lifetime of the Strategy.

The Road Safety Authority is already promoting, through various media, a number of education measures, at school and community levels, aimed at pedestrians safety,  including A Safe Cross Code website, a contribution towards the cost of the Junior School Warden school project and a television campaign highlighting the dangers associated with Drunken Pedestrians.

The matter of high visibility clothing and other safety measures is a matter of personal responsibility for adults and this aspect of pedestrian safety is being addressed by the RSA safety campaigns. In addition, in the region of €1 million has been spent by the RSA each year since the start of the decade on hi visibility material, which has been distributed via crèches, primary and secondary schools, national and community events and Garda stations  nationwide.