Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland’s current framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. This was launched in December 2021 and follows international best practice, aligns with EU and UN targets, and is based on the Safe System approach. The strategy is being delivered in partnership by my Department, the RSA, the Gardai and other state agencies.

The Strategy is currently in Phase 1, with close to 200 actions underway or already completed. Progress has been steady, with a majority on track to be delivered within the set timeframe. Key milestones include the signing into law of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 in June, the publication of the National Cycling Manual and the Speed Limit Review, both in September.

In considering the increasing trend in fatalities, eight Ministerial priority actions have been identified including reviewing the operation of the mobile safety camera system, bringing forward proposals to strengthen the penalty points system, reviewing the driver testing curriculum and speed limit review implementation.

Concrete steps have been taken in recent weeks to accelerate high impact actions. In September, Minister of Justice McEntee announced that the number of GoSafe camera van hours will be increased by 20% in the final months of the year.

A cross-government expert group has considered potential reforms to the penalty point system and urgent legislation is now being prepared by the Department of Transport.

In addition, the Road Safety Authority has been asked to urgently implement additional education and awareness campaigns before the end of 2023, targeting dangerous road user behaviours.

It is hoped that these accelerated initiatives and interventions will have a positive impact on achieving the target for 2030.