Michael Healy-Rae
Question:805. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the road safety strategy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23669/16]
View answerThursday, 21 July 2016
Questions (805)
Written answers
A feasibility study on action 94 of the Road Safety Strategy 2013 - 2020 was carried out in 2013. This study concluded that the advantages of a detailed engineering investigation, by a separate engineering inspectorate, after each fatal collision, were not apparent (and in fact identified a number of potential disadvantages in relation to e.g. possible enforcement action). As part of the study, the practices in other countries were examined, including some of the top-performing countries in terms of road safety performance. The post-collision investigation practices employed by Ireland since the introduction of the Garda Forensic Collision Team compared very favourably with these.
Since August 2007, it has been standard practice for a Garda Forensic Collision Team to close a road following a fatal or serious injury collision, and to undertake a detailed investigation in respect of all relevant matters in relation to the collision and the location. Form LA16 is then completed and factual information pertaining to such collisions is recorded including establishing if there are road factors which may have contributed to the collision, and which need to be remedied. Where appropriate, a file is forwarded by an Garda Síochána to the Director of Public Prosecutions. These LA16 Forms are also then sent to the National Roads Authority (NRA) which analyses and decides whether any remedies may be necessary to address such factors. If relevant the NRA then indicates to the relevant Local Authority what remedial actions are needed.
The Action 94 feasibility study is not being released at this time until the deliberative process in relation to the matter is fully completed, including what other measures may assist in delivering its road safety objectives.