Road Safety Authority officials criticised for ‘lack of visibility’ after spate of deaths

Ireland's Minister of State for Road Transport, Seán Canney, has expressed concern over the Road Safety Authority's (RSA) "lack of visibility" following a spate of road deaths late last year. In a letter to the RSA last November, Canney highlighted the absence of a prominent RSA spokesperson in the media and a delayed response to recent tragic incidents.

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the lack of a prominent spokesperson from the RSA in the media, and a timely response to these events, has been notable

The minister's concerns were raised after five young people and two drivers were killed in separate incidents in counties Louth and Meath. Commentators framed these crashes as part of a "worrying trend," emphasizing the need for stronger preventative measures. Canney argued that the RSA's "lack of prominent, public-facing communication" was a "concerning omission" inconsistent with its mandate.

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Given the RSA’s statutory responsibilities with regard to road safety and awareness, the lack of prominent, public-facing communication is a concerning omission and inconsistent with the authority’s mandate.

RSA chairperson Anne Graham responded that linking recent deaths to long-term trends could be "insensitive." However, she acknowledged that the organization could have seized opportunities to provide an overview of road safety trends. The RSA is now considering reforms, including support for mandatory alcohol interlocks in cars, and has indicated it does not support a blanket 30km/h speed limit in urban areas. Officials also raised concerns about a decline in roads policing gardaí.

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linking recent deaths and serious injuries to long-term trends could be “perceived as insensitive or prematurely apportioning blame”