Increase in road deaths 'a serious concern' admits Minister Chambers

The increase in deaths on Irislh roads so far this year is "of serious concern", Minister Jack Chambers has admitted. 

There have been 51 deaths on Irish roads so far this year, an increase of 5 on the same period in 2022. 

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Deputy Chambers, who is the Minister of State for Transport said: "The trend last year, and into this year, is of serious concern... There have been too many lives lost again this year and it's something that we are absolutely prioritising". 

"We are renewing our efforts, and just to reassure people of that. We have seen very concerning trends in 2022.. We do have some information. Obviously, speeding has played a role and we have a review on speed limits which will be presented to me in the next number of weeks. We have seen an increase in intoxicated driving, and an increase in alcohol and drug use, when people are driving over the last number of years... And non-use of seat belts is a key concern," Minister Chambers said. 

"We are trying to renew our campaign within the Road Safety Authority on key measures to protect life. Not only have we lost too many lives so far this year, but we also have over 200 people seriously injured and the impact that will have on their lives, going forward," Minister Chambers said. 

He expressed his sympathies to all those who lost loved ones over the weekend. 

"We will be renewing our efforts with An Garda Síochána and other key agencies to ensure that we strengthen enforcement, make progress on the speeding review and increase the campaigns to make sure people are aware of the serious issues that arise from speeding and other issues on our roads," Minister Chambers said.