Irish Road Victims Association Calls for Action on High-Risk Crash Locations

The Irish Road Victims Association (IRVA) has urged councils to address known high-risk crash locations within a defined timeframe to reduce road fatalities. IRVA President Donna Price, whose son Darren died in a collision, told TDs and Senators that evidence for intervention is clear and timely, decisive action is needed.

Price also called for reforms to post-fatal crash processes, including coroners’ courts, noting that families often lack access to forensic reports and face prolonged prosecutions. She advocated for a structured, Government-led investigation and family support framework, strengthened liaison services, enforceable statutory obligations for road infrastructure, and robust speed control. Price suggested a road safety commissioner could help implement the National Road Safety Strategy, as authority is currently fragmented across departments.

Richard Stables of Headway Ireland highlighted that approximately one-fifth of their caseload stems from road traffic incidents, resulting in traumatic brain injuries that profoundly impact individuals and families. Committee chairman Michael Murphy noted that Garda Road Policing unit numbers are projected to drop to just over 600 in 2025 from over 1,000 fifteen years prior. The Committee expects to hear from Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly and Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, and will issue a report with recommendations.