Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport and Communications, Martin Kenny TD, has called on the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to reconsider his approach to solve the increase in road fatalities.

Teachta Kenny said:

“Again today, more families across Ireland are trying to cope with the devastating news that their loved one who went out on the road over the weekend will not be returning home. My thoughts are with the families, loved ones and communities of those who have sadly lost their lives.

“So far this year, there has been more than a 25% increase in road fatalities.

“Education and enforcement are the primary foundations of all good road safety campaigns, but we are not seeing a focus on these factors.

“Last week in the Dáil, I raised this issue directly with the Minister, and his response was both baffling and frustrating. There is a lacklustre attitude towards real road safety measures from this Minister.

“This government and this Minister are more focused on headline-grabbing with lowering speed limits, rather than equipping An Garda Síochána with the tools they need to detect dangerous driver behaviours like speeding, and driving under the influence.

“The majority of road users and motorists are safe, responsible people. However, for those who are continuing to engage in dangerous behaviours which are risking their own lives and those around them, we need to see enforcement of current roads legislation.

“This cannot happen without a Roads Policing Unit that is resourced in terms of tools and boots-on-the-ground.

“Minister Ryan needs to step in now, or step back and allow for a Minister with the ability to fight the continuing increase of road fatalities.”