Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
366. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of recent reports that Irish road deaths far outstrip the European average (details supplied); the measures he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30118/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra367. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport in light of recent reports that road deaths are rising in Ireland whereas falling in the rest of the EU, if he will revise his decision to retain the current structure of the RSA, contrary to the recommendation of the external review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30119/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 366 and 367 together.
The current national framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 and work is ongoing to deliver on the targets set out in this Strategy.
The Phase 2 Action Plan 2025–2027 under the Strategy was published in July 2025. It identifies 12 primary and 77 support actions that are transformative in nature, and which are themed across the overarching, internationally recognised safe systems approach. These actions are being delivered through partnership and collaborative working by road safety stakeholders including the Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, the Courts Service, Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Health and Safety Authority and the local authorities.
The RSA has the statutory remit for the promotion of public awareness of road safety and of measures, including the advancement of education, relating to the promotion of the safe use of roads. In 2024, my Department commissioned Indecon Economic Consultants to carry out an independent, external review of the RSA. This review was presented to Government and published in November 2024.
In total, the report made 34 recommendations. At the core of the recommendations was that the operational services run by the RSA should be separated from its research, media campaigns, partnerships and education programmes to improve road safety. A related recommendation was that the RSA’s public interest work should receive Exchequer subvention.
Since the publication of the review, RSA reform activities have been taken forward on a number of fronts. For the first time since 2012, the fees for certain RSA services increased on 1 January 2025 to raise additional revenue and improve the RSA’s financial position; €18m has been specifically ringfenced for annual investment in public interest work in both 2025 and 2026; the Road Safety Communications Steering Group was established in December 2024; the Department of Transport took over central responsibility for the coordination of the Road Safety Strategy commencing with the publication of the Phase 2 Action Plan; and, a new Chair and three new ordinary members were appointed to the RSA board during 2025 with a stronger focus on the RSA’s operational mandate.
In terms of the recommendation to separate out the RSA’s operational and public interest functions, I have decided not to pursue this recommendation as I believe that reform can be delivered more efficiently and effectively within the existing RSA organisational structure. I have directed my officials to prepare revised reform proposals in line with this decision and these will be presented to Government in the coming weeks.
