Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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299. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on An Garda Síochána and the RSA dedicated technical projects to oversee the implementation of the revised RTC dataset in line with the Data Sharing Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61388/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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Traffic collision data are collected by An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána shares this data with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) but, following the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation in 2018, it has been necessary to update the legislative basis for this data exchange to ensure appropriate safeguards on individuals' personal information. Moreover, legal advice obtained by the Local Government Management Agency is definitive that changes to legislation are required in order for local authorities to receive and process collision data. The Department has continued to make available analysis of collision data and information on locations of interest from a road safety perspective to local authorities to help inform their investment programmes.

Following extensive engagement between relevant stakeholders and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, an approach was agreed to ensure this important data flow is compliant with the requirements of GDPR. This new approach was followed by a Ministerial Order made under Section 8 of the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 last June, which underpins the flow of information between An Garda Síochána and the RSA.

The legislative provisions that will enable sharing of road traffic collision data with local authorities, and the processing of that data by local authorities, are contained in the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025, which is currently with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for drafting and is on the priority drafting list for the current legislative term.

The technical specifications underpinning the flow of data are a matter for the RSA. I have therefore referred the Deputy’s Question to that body for additional direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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300. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on legislation to provide local authorities with the statutory basis to lawfully receive and use RTC data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61390/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The National Vehicle and Driver File Bill 2025 provides, inter alia, for the sharing of traffic collision data with local authorities, as well as the processing of the data by the local authorities. The General Scheme of the Bill was approved by Government in April and the Bill is a priority for drafting during the current legislative term. Once published, enactment is subject to Oireachtas scheduling and to approval of the Bill by the Oireachtas.

As an interim measure, the Department of Transport is analysing traffic collision data on the regional and local road network to identify locations of interest. When locations of interest are identified, the Department notifies the affected local authority. In turn, local authorities can apply for funding of low-cost safety schemes for these locations of interest. As such, collision data continues to be an important input into local authorities' investment decision-making, albeit through an indirect route pending the passage of primary legislation.