Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
282. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to review the road safety strategy to improve enforcement of road traffic offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43917/23]
View answerIreland’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 its first implementation phase, for the period 2021 - 2024. There are close to 200 concrete actions underway or already completed to help deliver a halving in fatalities and serious injuries by 2030 and Vision Zero by 2050—that is, no fatalities or serious injuries on Irish roads.
Key milestones delivered 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.
It is important to note, however, that enforcement is a matter for An Gardai Siochana, under the aegis of the Department of Justice.
