With the NRA warning that large numbers of roads are not safe for users, Cllr Neale Richmond has said that a Countywide safety audited is needed

“Road safety campaigners, the families of road death victims and huge numbers of road users all know of specific cases where sections of roads are dangerous, or even lethal.
“Fred Barry’s admission is worrying because it comes after Ireland’s biggest ever economic boom.
“But it’s disturbing that the head of the NRA, which has responsibility for so many roads, has not been able to solve the problem. If it knows where the blackspots are, why are they still there?
“Why are we still seeing new road surfaces wear away, leaving a slippery shiny surface underneath? Many roads have been damaged once again by two harsh cold spells and it is imperative that these are repaired as soon as possible to prevent serious accidents.
“And why is so much signage still inadequate?
“Fine Gael has long called for a safety audit of all non-national roads. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown should be required to conduct annual audits of its road network, with assistance from the NRA. At the same time, the NRA should conduct audits of all national roads built more than ten years ago.
“Fred Barry’s comments are welcome, and he is right to point out that a variety of organisations are involved. The NRA must take some of the blame for not taking action sooner. But the succession of Fianna Fáil Transport Ministers over the last 13 years must take the lion’s share.”