Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the spike in road deaths this year is “not a blip” and needs to be addressed.
In a correspondence with PARC (Promoting Awareness Responsibility and Care on our roads) Road Safety Group, Mr Varadkar said he is deeply concerned about the rise in deaths on the road.
He said he fears “we are now going backwards when it comes to road safety” and action is needed.
The Taoiseach said he has spoken to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris about the need for greater enforcement of road safety laws to prevent accidents.
He also said he would contact Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Junior Transport Minister Jack Chambers.
He said he would suggest a ministerial meeting on road safety that he would be willing to chair.
Road closed sign. Image: Eamonn Farrell/ RollingNews.iePARC had written to Mr Varadkar to outline road issues it felt needed to be addressed immediately.
They pointed out the high number of road deaths in August, which has been the highest rate in several years.
PARC called for better roadside technology for Gardaí, stricter rules to ensure learner drivers sit their driving test and increased sharing of road safety information among state agencies.
Some 126 people have been killed in road accidents so far this year – the worst in six years, and a 30% increase from the same time last year.
The latest RSA figures show drivers represent the highest share of all fatalities so far at 44 deaths.
There has also been the highest number of pedestrian deaths in six years (29), while a further 29 passengers have died in road crashes.
Yesterday, Gardaí reported one third of those who died so far were under the age of 25.
They urged people to stay safe, slow down, not get distracted and wear their seatbelts.
