Menu
12/02/2003
Smith calls on North/South links to reduce road deaths
During a speech delivered in Dublin last night, NIO Minister Angela Smith highlighted the need to forge greater cross-border links in reducing road deaths in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Mrs Smith was in Dublin to deliver the Jim Crowley Memorial Lecture in which she appealed to her audience of businessmen and transport professionals that serious moves must be made to reduce road deaths on the island of Ireland.
She said: "A fact that has shocked me more than any other since coming to Northern Ireland is that its drivers have one of the worst road safety records in Europe. Regrettably this is one of the transport problems we share – the carnage on our roads in both parts of the island is totally unacceptable."
The Minister said that the growth in travel demand and private car use was impacting on transport infrastructure, on the environment and the detrimental effects of transport pollution on peoples’ health and quality of life.
“The formulation of respective spatial strategies in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland represents an important step forward for a more coherent, strategic and balanced approach to development throughout the island of Ireland. There are many issues of mutual concern between the strategies and it is clear we can learn from each other in tackling those issues,” she said.
She added that planning policies and programmes had a "critical role to play" in persuading drivers to leave their cars and use public transport.
On the government's recent road safety advertising campaign, Mrs Smith said they had been designed to "shock, to prompt pedestrians and drivers to pay more attention on the roads".
Once again, she called on drivers "to wise up, slow down and help stop this terrible carnage".
The Minister also pointed out that Northern Ireland’s Regional Development Strategy and the National Spatial Strategy for Ireland provided an important overarching strategic planning framework for the future development of both parts of the island.
Mrs Smith also met with the Irish Government Ministers for the Environment, Transport, and for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, to "discuss departmental issues of common concern".
(GMcG)
Mrs Smith was in Dublin to deliver the Jim Crowley Memorial Lecture in which she appealed to her audience of businessmen and transport professionals that serious moves must be made to reduce road deaths on the island of Ireland.
She said: "A fact that has shocked me more than any other since coming to Northern Ireland is that its drivers have one of the worst road safety records in Europe. Regrettably this is one of the transport problems we share – the carnage on our roads in both parts of the island is totally unacceptable."
The Minister said that the growth in travel demand and private car use was impacting on transport infrastructure, on the environment and the detrimental effects of transport pollution on peoples’ health and quality of life.
“The formulation of respective spatial strategies in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland represents an important step forward for a more coherent, strategic and balanced approach to development throughout the island of Ireland. There are many issues of mutual concern between the strategies and it is clear we can learn from each other in tackling those issues,” she said.
She added that planning policies and programmes had a "critical role to play" in persuading drivers to leave their cars and use public transport.
On the government's recent road safety advertising campaign, Mrs Smith said they had been designed to "shock, to prompt pedestrians and drivers to pay more attention on the roads".
Once again, she called on drivers "to wise up, slow down and help stop this terrible carnage".
The Minister also pointed out that Northern Ireland’s Regional Development Strategy and the National Spatial Strategy for Ireland provided an important overarching strategic planning framework for the future development of both parts of the island.
Mrs Smith also met with the Irish Government Ministers for the Environment, Transport, and for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, to "discuss departmental issues of common concern".
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 September 2018
Number Of Roads Remain Closed Following Storm Ali
A number of roads remain closed across Northern Ireland following the damage caused by Storm Ali. The following roads are still closed, however the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is working to clear the obstructions along with its multiagency partners.
Number Of Roads Remain Closed Following Storm Ali
A number of roads remain closed across Northern Ireland following the damage caused by Storm Ali. The following roads are still closed, however the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is working to clear the obstructions along with its multiagency partners.
19 September 2018
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
06 July 2011
Public Transport Spending Must Be Prioritised
A crucial government strategy has failed to address Northern Ireland's over-reliance on road transport, according to a leading body of professionals. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Northern Ireland, says that there has been a disproportionate allocation of funding for road building in Northern Ireland over other forms of transport.
Public Transport Spending Must Be Prioritised
A crucial government strategy has failed to address Northern Ireland's over-reliance on road transport, according to a leading body of professionals. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Northern Ireland, says that there has been a disproportionate allocation of funding for road building in Northern Ireland over other forms of transport.
05 January 2006
Road death figures are lowest in 50 years
Figures released today by the Department of the Environment have revealed that road deaths in Northern Ireland last year were at the lowest level in 50 years. The total number of road deaths in 2005 totalled 136, the lowest number since 1952 when 133 people lost their lives at at time when there was one eighth of the number of vehicles on the road.
Road death figures are lowest in 50 years
Figures released today by the Department of the Environment have revealed that road deaths in Northern Ireland last year were at the lowest level in 50 years. The total number of road deaths in 2005 totalled 136, the lowest number since 1952 when 133 people lost their lives at at time when there was one eighth of the number of vehicles on the road.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
