Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024
219. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport for a detailed update in relation to the implementation of the actions across the seven safe system priority intervention areas outlined in Phase 1 Action Plan: 2021-2024 of the Road Safety Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6585/24]
View answerIreland’s current framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. The Strategy was published 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 Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána and other road safety partners.The Strategy is currently in Phase 1, with close to 200 actions underway or already completed. These actions are aligned with the seven Safe System priority intervention areas:
1. Safe roads and roadsides
2. Safe speeds
3. Safe vehicles
4. Safe road use
5. Post-crash response
6. Safe and healthy modes of travel
7. Safe work-related road use
Progress has been steady, with a majority of Phase 1 actions on track to be delivered by the end of this year and commencement of Phase 2 in 2025. Key milestones include the signing into law of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 in June, the publication of the National Cycling Manual and the publication of the Speed Limit Review, both in September of last year.The second annual review of the Road Safety Strategy took place in January, where road safety partners and agencies reviewed progress in the context of reversing the upward trend in road fatalities. In addition to closing out Phase 1 of the strategy in 2024, I have prioritised certain actions for the coming year, including development of a national strategy for camera-based enforcement, addressing the multiple learner permit issue and improving road safety education.Following the publication of the Speed Limit Review last September, work has commenced on implementation of the recommendations with road safety partners, including Local Authorities. My officials are working on guidelines and legislation to give effect to these recommendations as soon as possible.As part of implementing the Speed Limit Review, the Road Traffic Bill 2024 is expected to be enacted before the end of March. This a concise and focused piece of legislation introducing safer default speed limits on national secondary roads, rural roads and in built up areas, mandatory drug testing at the scene of serious traffic collisions and reforming the penalty points system so motorists receive multiple sets of penalty points where multiple offences are committed.
