Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 7 September 2026
554. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered introducing a public awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of pedestrians using mobile phones and being distracted while crossing roads (details supplied; if data is available on pedestrian collisions where mobile phone distraction was identified as a contributing factor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63207/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility 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 order to inform these road safety measures, the RSA receives both coronial data and collision data from An Garda Síochána.
Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct, reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Pending this reply, the Deputy may wish to note that in 2026 the RSA has again ringfenced funding of €18 million for awareness, education and promotional campaigns, which matches the funding level from 2025. This will ensure a continued focus on campaigns that make our roads safer for all road users, including vulnerable road users.
The Road Safety Communications Steering Group was established in 2024, and which brings together the RSA communication leads, my Department and other key stakeholders including the Department of Justice and AGS continues to work to ensure coordination of messaging across road safety campaigns.
