Road safety is a core priority for me and the Government and the current national framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. The Strategy has the target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% this decade, and to achieving Vision Zero—as close as possible to no deaths or serious injuries on Irish roads—by 2050.
The Phase 2 Action Plan 2025–2027 under the Strategy was published in July 2025. In total, the Phase 2 Plan contains 12 primary and 77 support actions, with the potential to deliver truly transformative change. Actions are being delivered through partnership and collaborative working by road safety stakeholders.
My Department is responsible for the central co-ordination of the Road Safety Strategy and implementation of the Phase 2 Action Plan is overseen at Ministerial level by the Road Safety Leadership Group (RSLG). I chair this Group which is attended by the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs. This Group also comprises senior officials from all key road safety partners including An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, the Courts Service, Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Health and Safety Authority and the Local Authorities
The Group oversees implementation of the Strategy. Action owners are required to report quarterly on actions in their areas and the RSLG meets quarterly to review these updates and to discuss progress on the delivery of the 12 Primary Actions. Additional updates as required are provided on the 77 support actions.
A Road User Safety Forum is also in place and gives a range of road user and road safety advocates an opportunity to contribute to the Phase 2 Action Plan.
I believe the current structures are the most appropriate for delivery of road safety improvements under the Government's Road Safety Strategy. My focus as Minister, the focus of my Department and of all the road partners with who we work with, is on the delivery of the Phase 2 Action Plan. This Action Plan was developed by road experts, based on Irish experience and looking at best practice in other countries. I will always consider suggestions for additional actions that may lead to road safety improvements, but our focus must be on the delivery of agreed actions. rather than changes to oversight structures.
