Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2012
724. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the road safety strategy for 2013 and if he will advise specifically in relation to the speed limit review and the role of education in road safety matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52724/12]
View answer731. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to announce the new road safety strategy for the period to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52749/12]
View answer732. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the main measures and targets that he expects to include in road safety strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52750/12]
View answer747. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to announce the new Road Safety Strategy for the period to 2020; the main elements it is likely to contain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52885/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 724, 731, 732 and 747 together.
The Road Safety Authority is currently preparing the next Road Safety Strategy, which will cover an 8-year period from 2013 to 2020. The aim of this Strategy, like all previous, will be to save lives and prevent injuries by reducing the number and severity of collisions on the road.
The Strategy will adopt a safe system approach by reinforcing the concept of shared responsibility across organisations, businesses and communities. Like its predecessors, the Strategy will contain key, definable actions that will seek to achieve the overall aims and close the gap between Ireland and the best performing countries in the EU. These actions will cover a range of key areas in road safety performance including engineering, enforcement and education. Education is a vital tool in creating cultural and behavioural changes as it raises awareness across the entire population, young and old.
The RSA is currently working with all stakeholders to finalise the Strategy and I hope to be in a position to launch the document early in 2013.
In relation to the speed limit review, which I announced earlier this year, a stakeholder group to progress this review has been established by my Department. This Group includes representatives from the local authorities, the Automobile Association, An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority, the National Roads Authority as well as the National Transport Authority. Much progress has been made and I expect to receive a report from the Group by the end of the year. I will give careful consideration to implementing any recommendations that emerge from the Report.
