The National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed that these cameras will be installed at the busiest junctions and along bus lanes within the first half of 2025. There are also plans to extend this initiative to other cities, including Cork, Limerick, and Galway, by the end of the year. The cameras will not only catch motorists running red lights but also those blocking yellow boxes or illegally using bus lanes.

In contrast to this technological advancement, a new Garda policy on car chases has come under fire. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has criticised the policy, describing it as “unworkable” and claiming it gives free rein to drivers who refuse to stop. The policy, which instructs Gardaí to abandon pursuits in many instances, has led to concerns about public safety and the ability of law enforcement to effectively manage dangerous driving situations.

The GRA has highlighted several cases where Gardaí did not pursue fleeing vehicles, raising fears that this could embolden reckless drivers and lead to more dangerous incidents on the roads. The association argues that the strict rules are causing officers to hesitate, fearing disciplinary action or prosecution if something goes wrong during a chase.

This new policy has sparked a debate about the balance between ensuring public safety and protecting Gardaí from potential legal repercussions. Critics argue that while the intention behind the policy is to minimise risks during high-speed chases, it may inadvertently encourage more drivers to evade law enforcement.

As Dublin moves forward with the installation of red-light cameras, the city hopes to see a significant reduction in traffic violations and an improvement in road safety. However, the controversy surrounding the Garda pursuit policy highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety while navigating complex legal and operational constraints.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has highlighted that the majority of these fatalities are due to speeding, reckless driving, and failure to adhere to road safety regulations. The increase in road deaths has not only affected families and communities but has also placed a significant burden on emergency services and healthcare systems. The RSA is now pushing for immediate and effective measures to curb this alarming trend.

One of the key strategies being considered to curb speeding and improve road safety is the expansion of static speed camera locations. These cameras, strategically placed at high-risk areas, have been shown to deter speeding and reduce accidents. The RSA is advocating for an increase in the number of these cameras, particularly in regions with a high incidence of road traffic collisions. By enhancing surveillance and enforcement, the RSA aims to create a safer driving environment and reduce the likelihood of fatal accidents.

The new static speed safety cameras will be operational by the end of 2024 at the following locations:

1. Galway: N59, between Moycullen and Galway City
2. Waterford: N25, between Glenmore and Luffany
3. Wicklow: R772, Arklow Road, Aske, north of Gorey
4. Donegal: N14, east of Letterkenny
5. Carlow: N80, between Barristown and Levitstown
6. Dublin: Crumlin Road/Parnell Road/Dolphin Road/Dolphin’s Barn Junction
7. Mayo: N17, northeast of Claremorris
8. Cork: N22, east of Lissarda and west of Ovens
9. Limerick: N69, east of Askeaton

These locations were selected based on data from fatal and serious injury collisions, as well as speed data and feedback from stakeholders. The aim is to reduce speeding and improve road safety in these high-risk areas. The RSA believes that by targeting these specific locations, they can significantly impact driver behaviour and reduce the number of accidents.

In addition to expanding speed camera coverage, the RSA is proposing a new initiative that offers drivers caught speeding a choice between traditional penalties and educational courses. Under this plan, drivers would have the option to either accept a fine and penalty points on their licence or attend a speed awareness course. The course is designed to educate drivers on the dangers of speeding and promote safer driving habits.

Supporters of this initiative argue that education can be more effective than punitive measures in changing long-term driver behaviour. By understanding the consequences of speeding, drivers may be more likely to adhere to speed limits and drive responsibly. The RSA believes that this dual approach—combining enforcement with education—could significantly reduce speeding incidents and, consequently, road fatalities.

The speed awareness course would cover various aspects of road safety, including the physics of speed, the impact of collisions, and the emotional and financial consequences of accidents. Participants would also hear from victims of road accidents and their families, providing a powerful reminder of the real-life implications of dangerous driving.

Public reaction to the proposal has been mixed. Some drivers welcome the opportunity to avoid penalty points and learn more about road safety, while others are sceptical about the effectiveness of the course. Critics argue that the option to attend a course might be seen as a way to escape punishment, potentially undermining the deterrent effect of fines and penalty points.

The RSA is currently working on the details of the programme, including the curriculum and the logistics of implementation. If successful, this initiative could be rolled out nationwide, providing a consistent approach to handling speeding offences. The success of these initiatives will depend on their implementation and the willingness of drivers to embrace safer driving practices.

The RSA’s proposal is part of a broader effort to achieve the goals set out in Ireland’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. This strategy aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, with the ultimate goal of achieving zero road deaths by 2050. The strategy includes a range of measures, from infrastructure improvements to public awareness campaigns, all designed to create a safer road environment for all users.

The current weather outlook suggests that Ireland will experience a mix of heavy rain and strong winds. Met Éireann has not yet named the storm, but the forecast indicates that the conditions will remain volatile. The service has warned that the combination of these elements could lead to hazardous conditions, particularly in coastal areas.

The unsettled weather is expected to continue through the end of the week and into the weekend. Met Éireann has indicated that the conditions will remain volatile during this period, with a mix of heavy rain and strong winds likely to cause hazardous conditions, especially in coastal areas.

“Outbreaks of rain in most places for the rest of this evening, heavy and thundery at times, especially in the southeast, with the potential for localised flooding,” Met Éireann stated. The unsettled weather is expected to persist, with scattered showers and occasional sunny spells.

One of the primary concerns is the risk of flooding. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, with high tides and strong winds potentially exacerbating the situation. Met Éireann has advised residents in these areas to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.

The forecast includes a chance of coastal flooding as temperatures are expected to reach up to 18°C. The combination of warm temperatures and heavy rainfall could lead to significant water accumulation, especially in low-lying areas.

While Northern Ireland is expected to escape the worst of the storm, yellow and amber weather warnings have been issued for the Republic of Ireland. These warnings highlight the potential for severe weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rain, which could disrupt daily activities and pose risks to safety.

Met Éireann has urged the public to stay informed about the latest weather updates and to heed any warnings issued. The service recommends securing outdoor items, avoiding unnecessary travel, and preparing for possible power outages. In the event of flooding, residents are advised to move to higher ground and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.

Local authorities are also preparing for the storm, with emergency services on standby to respond to any incidents. The public is encouraged to report any hazards or flooding to the relevant authorities to ensure a swift response.

As the week progresses, Met Éireann will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide updates as necessary. The service has emphasised the importance of staying informed and prepared, as the situation can change rapidly.

For the latest weather updates and safety information, residents are encouraged to visit the Met Éireann website and follow their social media channels.

Over the past five years, incidents of anti-social behaviour on Dublin Bus services have more than doubled, increasing from around 500 reports in 2019 to over 1,000 in 2023. This alarming trend has prompted Dublin Bus to take decisive action to ensure the safety and security of its services.

The pilot programme involves two mobile security units operating on the north and south sides of Dublin. These units will be active from 2pm to 2am, Sunday to Thursday, and from 4pm to 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. The security teams will be highly visible, wearing full uniforms and equipped with body cameras to deter potential troublemakers.

The security guards have been granted the authority to use “reasonable force” and make citizen’s arrests if necessary. Their primary role, however, is to de-escalate situations and prevent incidents from escalating. They will also assist with fare evasion and crowd control, particularly during peak hours and on weekend nights.

This initiative complements existing safety measures such as on-board CCTV and close cooperation with An Garda Síochána. Dublin Bus CEO Billy Hann emphasised that the presence of security guards is intended to provide a reassuring presence for both customers and employees. The company hopes that this pilot programme will be successful and plans to make it a permanent measure, pending funding from the National Transport Authority.

Dublin Bus will closely monitor the impact of the security teams, gathering feedback from both customers and employees to assess the programme’s effectiveness. The goal is to create a safer and more secure environment for everyone using Dublin Bus services.

The introduction of security guards has been welcomed by various stakeholders, including bus unions and public representatives. There is a consensus that every driver and passenger has the right to feel safe while using public transport. The initiative is seen as a critical step towards restoring public confidence in the safety of Dublin’s public transport system.

The security teams will operate in areas identified as having the highest incidents of anti-social behaviour. They will be jumping on and off buses in these areas, assisting with fare evasion and crowd control, especially during busy weekend nights. The presence of these guards is expected to act as a deterrent to potential troublemakers.

Billy Hann also mentioned that while the primary role of the security guards is to de-escalate situations, they are trained to use reasonable force if necessary. This includes making citizen’s arrests and detaining individuals until the arrival of An Garda Síochána. The guards are equipped with body cameras, which not only help in de-escalating situations but also provide evidence if required.

The deployment of security guards on Dublin Bus services marks a proactive approach to tackling the growing issue of anti-social behaviour. By enhancing safety measures and ensuring a visible security presence, Dublin Bus aims to provide a safer and more secure travel experience for all its passengers. The success of this pilot programme could lead to a permanent implementation, significantly improving the overall safety and customer experience on Dublin Bus services.

The fines, which range from €40 to €150, are imposed for various parking violations. Parking in a disabled spot incurs a €150 fine, while parking on footpaths, cycle tracks, or bus lanes costs €80. Failing to display a correct tax disc results in a €60 fine, and not having a valid pay-and-display ticket costs €40.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many councils had relaxed parking enforcement and some traffic wardens were reassigned to assist the Health Service Executive (HSE). However, with the easing of pandemic restrictions, councils have increased the number of traffic wardens, leading to a surge in parking fines.

Among Ireland’s 31 local councils, 23 reported an increase in parking fines. Galway City Council, Cork City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Waterford City and County Council, Kerry County Council, and Westmeath County Council recorded the highest number of fines per 100,000 people.

Galway City Council, which now employs 11 traffic wardens with one more joining soon, issued 36,645 parking fines last year, up from 30,517 in 2022. Cork City Council issued 49,511 fines, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown issued 29,845, Kerry County Council issued 17,674, and Westmeath County Council issued 7,424 fines. With a population of just over 96,000, Westmeath had one of the highest rates of parking fines.

Donegal County Council and Dublin City Council also saw significant increases in fines. In Donegal, the number of fines more than doubled, with 10,018 fines issued last year compared to 4,892 in 2022.

The increase in traffic wardens and subsequent rise in parking fines have generated millions of euros in revenue for local councils, highlighting the impact of stricter parking enforcement across the country.

The Garda spokesperson emphasised that the portal is designed for non-emergency situations, urging the public to continue using emergency numbers 999 or 112 for urgent cases. The online portal for reporting traffic incidents allows users to fill out a reporting form, which is then logged by the Garda Information Services Centre in Dublin. Once logged, the report is forwarded to the local superintendent responsible for the Community Engagement Area relevant to the incident.

In cases where an investigation is deemed necessary, a member of An Garda Síochána will be assigned to follow up on the report. The officer will then reach out to the individual who submitted the report. If an offence is believed to have occurred, a file is submitted to the superintendent who will decide the next course of action. The complainant will be informed of the outcome, ensuring transparency in the process.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, who leads Roads Policing and Community Engagement, spoke at the launch of the new portal. She highlighted the significance of Traffic Watch over the years as a vital tool for responsible road users to report dangerous driving behaviors. “The online reporting form provides an updated process through which members of the public can report non-emergency information to An Garda Síochána,” she said.

This new online portal for reporting traffic incidents represents a significant step forward in enhancing road safety across the country. By empowering the public to report careless and aggressive driving, An Garda Síochána is reinforcing its commitment to protecting all road users.