Collaboration, coordination and consistency key to Donegal Road Safety Plan

The Donegal Road Safety Working Group has published the Donegal Road Safety Plan 2022-2030. 

The Donegal Road Safety Working Group is an interagency group consisting of Donegal County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, An Garda Siochana, Road Safety Authority, Donegal Youth Service, Donegal ETB, Pro Social Drivers Programme, Foroige and HSE Ambulance Service.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Liam Blaney, explained that the plan would focus the efforts of all involved in road safety and highlighted the need for community support for its full implementation. 

He said: “Donegal County Council has an important role to play in promoting road safety. Road Safety is not just about how our roads are designed, it is about how we use them, and we all have a part to play by travelling responsibly and safely. The introduction of measures has made our roads safer, from the mandatory wearing of seat belts, the lowering of drink-driving limits, the introduction of penalties for dangerous driving behaviours, safer infrastructure, and targeted enforcement. These measures have saved lives. 

"I would like to thank all those agencies who participated in the formulation of the Plan, which will raise public awareness on the important issue of Road Safety.”

Collaborative, coordinated and consistent approach

The Donegal Road Safety Plan 2022 – 2030 is designed to ensure a collaborative, coordinated and consistent approach to improving road safety for all road users. Shared responsibility across all parts of the traffic management system is one of the core underlying principles of the Safe System approach. The 2020 Programme for Government commits to achieving ‘Vision Zero’  ie no deaths or serious injuries on the roads, which will be achieved by 2050. 

This commitment must be matched by action, enabling funding, accountability, and good governance. Critically, we need even greater partnership and collaboration to achieve the ambitious target of Vision Zero. 

Inspector Seamus McGonigle said: "Reducing the number of deaths and injuries on Donegal’s roads is a responsibility we all share. Enforcement of road traffic laws will continue to play a critical role in the new Road Safety Plan as An Garda Síochána seeks to ensure that fewer lives are lost and serious injuries sustained as a result of preventable tragedies.”

Vision Zero in road safety is not just a catchphrase. It is a serious commitment to end all deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

While lead agencies have responsibility for completion of their individual actions, the responsibility for implementing the Safe System approach across road safety policy and practice will be shared across key stakeholders and across government.

The Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John McLaughlin welcomed the new plan and acknowledged the contributions from all members of the Donegal Road Safety Working Group. 

“Every death or serious injury on our roads brings heartbreak and greatly affects families and communities, and we must strive to remain focused on improving the level of road safety in Donegal,” he said.

“This can only be achieved by working in close collaboration with the key agencies and stakeholders in road safety over the lifetime of the plan. 

“We all must take responsibility for our actions and this strategy gives us a direction to follow, towards safer roads for our communities.”

Brian O’Donnell, Donegal Road Safety Officer stressed that road safety was everyone's responsibility. 

He said: “Progress is being made but Donegal continues to pay a heavy price on its roads with far too many people killed or injured as a result of road traffic collisions.  

“We must keep educating drivers and reminding the public of their responsibilities as road users and highlight that the key to making roads safer in Donegal rests with the people and communities in Donegal.  

“I want to take this opportunity again to appeal to all road users to redouble their efforts in road safety as any progress we have made can be erased very quickly.”

The Road Safety Plan can be downloaded by visiting the Road Safety section of Donegal County Council’s website.

Pictured above are: Seated, Bryan Cannon, Director of Roads and Transportation, John McLaughlin, CEO, Donegal County Council, Liam Blaney, Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council and Garda Inspector, Seamus McGonigle. Back from left are Emily Hajek, Donegal Youth Council, Louise McGeever, RSA, Gareth Gibson, Donegal Youth Service, Brian O'Donnell, Road Safety Officer Donegal County Council, Chris Harley, Road Safety Engineer, Donegal County Council, Michael McDevitt, Donegal Youth Council, Pat McDonagh, Donegal Youth Council and Joanne Evans, Donegal Youth Council.