Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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175. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to protect motorcyclists on our roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49930/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The Programme for Government outlines the Government's commitment to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads for everyone in Ireland, including motorcyclists.

The current national framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. The Strategy was launched in December 2021 and follows international best practice, aligns with EU and UN targets, and is based on the Safe Systems approach. The Strategy has the target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% this decade, and to achieving Vision Zero—as close as possible to no deaths or serious injuries on Irish roads—by 2050.

Phase 1 of the Road Safety Strategy ran until the end of 2024, with approximately 169 concrete actions complete or on track at its conclusion. The Phase 2 Action Plan 2025-2027 was published on 16 July. This next phase of the Road Safety Strategy identifies 12 primary actions that are transformative in nature and which are themed across the overarching, internationally recognised safe systems approach. Each of these actions will be delivered through partnership and collaborative working with a range of road safety stakeholders. To support and supplement the primary actions, the action plan includes a suite of 77 supporting actions which reflect a wider range of ongoing important activities currently being delivered by road safety partners.

As part of Budget 2025, €18m of RSA funding has been ringfenced for investment in media, education and awareness campaigns. Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, RSA has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness campaigns and for the advancement of education specific to the safe use of roads. The Road Safety Authority runs several road safety media campaigns on all aspects of road safety, including specific campaigns related to motorcycle safety. The Department of Transport continues to work in close cooperation with the RSA, An Garda Síochána and others to promote safety on our roads.

In July, the RSA published a new report highlighting the significant risks facing motorcyclists on Irish roads. The Motorcyclist Spotlight Report revealed that 105 motorcyclists lost their lives and 884 were seriously injured during the five-year period from 2020 to end-2024, accounting for 14% of all road fatalities and 12% of serious injuries. The report can be found here: www.rsa.ie/docs/default-source/about/motorcyclist-spotlight-report-fatalities-and-serious-injuries-2020-2024e9e676a4-851e-4da6-904b-56e4dc4984b0.pdf?sfvrsn=1f7cf095_1

Every road fatality is one too many, and a tragedy for families and communities across the country. It is incumbent on all of us to do all we can to prevent such tragedies.