Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport and Communications, Martin Kenny TD, has today called on Minister Eamon Ryan to detail what plans he has to ensure the Road Safety Authority are funded properly.

His comments come as it emerged the RSA wrote to Taoiseach Simon Harris in March to ask for increased funding, detailing a number of projects that have been paused due to a shortfall.

Speaking today, Teachta Kenny said:

“This government is billing itself as ‘energised’, yet the Taoiseach – and indeed the Transport Minister – failed to act when an appeal for funding came from the RSA.

“As part of their correspondence, the RSA informed the Taoiseach that government would either have to plug the funding shortfall, or allow them increase the cost of NCT’s by 10%.

“This would increase the NCT cost for some drivers to almost €100.

“Motorists have already been faced with increases in tolls, the hikes in petrol and diesel costs, and the rise in insurance premiums. This is on the back of the ongoing cost of living crisis.

“Clearly the RSA require increased funding to combat the rise in road fatalities and serious collisions, and to continue providing vital education programmes. That is where the Taoiseach and Minister Ryan need to step in and provide it.

“It is my understanding that the RSA are facing a revenue fall of between €7m and €16m this year alone due to the rise of inflation.

“Workers and families have felt the very worst bite of this cost of living crisis. This government cannot expect them to foot another bill.”