The new Programme for Government should include a larger focus on road safety, according to both the Irish Road Victims’ Association and the Irish Cycling Campaign.
There were five fewer deaths in 2024, but the furcation in road deaths has confused authorities. 2024 road deaths were characterised by a higher level of deaths in the first half of the year, followed by a lower level of deaths in the Summer and August months and a resurgence in the Winter months.
Irish Road Victims’ Association said: “Let’s hope road safety is given some priority in the new Programme for Government. Soul destroying to see what is happening despite all of our efforts. Government and cross-party support is very much needed now to ensure change. Saving lives and victim support should be above politics.”
The Irish Cycling Campaign said it was “gravely concerned” at the recent rising number of road fatalities and noted the “multiple fatalities involving hit-and-run incidents where vulnerable road users have been victims”.
It said that the statistics focused on deaths do not take into account the impact of the many serious injuries caused by road collisions and highlighted that these “deaths and injuries are not inevitable”.
Neasa Bheilbigh, chairperson of the Irish Cycling Campaign, said: “The government has a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable people on our roads. We know what works: safe and segregated infrastructure for walking and cycling, robust enforcement of traffic laws, and investment in public transport. It’s time for our leaders to act decisively.”
Dave Tobin, vice chairperson of the Irish Cycling Campaign, said: “Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are now drafting a new Programme for Government. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to prioritise active travel and improve safety for vulnerable road users.”
“We are calling for at least 20% of the transport budget to be allocated to walking and cycling as recommended by the UN to save lives, reverse pollution and reduce carbon emissions. This level of investment would save lives, while creating more liveable towns and cities. Safe infrastructure is not just a luxury – it’s a necessity.”
The group called for engineering-first solutions, including protected cycle lanes and improved pedestrian crossings; enhanced roads policing with the staffing is necessary to ensure laws are enforced; and strong political will to implement the required changes.
The Irish Cycling Campaign also called on the reform of the RSA to continue and to include relevant expertise to “help ensure the delivery of engineering solutions, enforcement and behavioural change measures to tackle the causes of injury and death on our roads.”
Road user fatalities in 2022, 2023 and 2024
Road User | 2022 | 2023 | Difference | 2024 | Difference |
Drivers | 58 | 69 | +11 | TBC | TBC |
Passengers | 22 | 34 | +12 | TBC | TBC |
Drivers and Passengers | 80 | 103 | +23 | 108 | +5 |
Motorcyclists | 23 | 26 | +3 | 17 | -9 |
Cyclists | 7 | 8 | +1 | 11 | +3 |
Pedestrians | 43 | 44 | +1 | 39 | -5 |
E-Scooter | 2 | 3 | +1 | 4 | +1 |
Total | 155 | 184 | +29 | 179 | +5 |