Minister for Road Safety Seán Canney has stated that politicians who commit serious traffic offenses are setting a "very bad example" as road fatalities continue to increase. His comments come amid growing concern over the rising death toll on Irish roads, with the latest fatality bringing the total to 94 for the year, an increase of nine compared to the same period in 2025.
Canney, an Independent TD, specifically addressed two Fianna Fáil TDs who have retained the party whip despite serious traffic convictions. Kerry TD Michael Cahill was convicted of driving at nearly 200kph and banned for two years, while Wexford-Wicklow TD Malcolm Byrne was arrested for drink-driving in late May. Byrne was subsequently replaced as chair of the Oireachtas committee on artificial intelligence by a fellow Fianna Fáil TD.
"The fact that politicians drive at speed, at the speed that man [Cahill] was driving at, or if somebody takes a chance on driving and they’re under the influence, it’s setting a very bad example," Canney said. "And as elected members, we should be leading by example."
Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has faced criticism for not taking a tougher stance against TDs with serious road traffic offenses. The Taoiseach's approach has reportedly caused disquiet among his Fine Gael coalition partners.
Canney's remarks coincide with other road safety issues, including learner motorists facing wait times of up to six months for driving tests in some areas. He described the situation as "totally unacceptable" and has instructed officials to examine temporary measures to alleviate pressure.
Regarding the rise in road fatalities, Canney cited a combination of population growth and dangerous driver behavior. "Our number one problem is that we have 750,000 more people living in this country now than we had in 2015," he stated, noting the increase in cars and people on the road. However, he emphasized that many risks are preventable, pointing to continued instances of speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and driving under the influence of drink and drugs. The incidence of drug detection in drivers has grown substantially in recent years, he added, alongside the issue of distracted driving due to mobile phone use.
The government is implementing measures to address dangerous driving behavior, including lowering speed limits. Speed limits on local roads have been reduced from 80kph to 60kph, and a reduction from 50kph to 30kph in urban areas is expected by March next year. Draft legislation is also being prepared to reduce some 100kph limits to 80kph.
Road safety campaigners have urged for more urgent action, with the Irish Road Victims’ Association (IRVA) calling the recent spate of deaths "soul-destroying." The IRVA stressed that most incidents are not accidents but preventable, and called for increased roads policing, greater enforcement of offenses, expansion of average-speed cameras, and faster delivery of infrastructure projects.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is also under scrutiny. Acting chief Alison Coleman noted that the increase in road casualty figures should be considered in light of Ireland's growing population. The RSA has also warned of growing concerns regarding e-scooter injuries, particularly traumatic brain injuries in children, describing it as a "serious emerging public health concern."
As of June 30, nearly half of all road fatalities this year involved vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and e-scooter users. Canney also expressed concern about e-scooter safety, reminding parents that it is illegal to give an e-scooter to a child under 16 and urging them to "take responsibility for your child."