The publication of the final report emerging from the independent external review of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has been carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants.
The Review was commissioned to ensure the RSA is structured appropriately in the years ahead to fulfil its statutory mandate and help to deliver the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030.
The Review makes a range of recommendations for reform of the RSA, and to improve road safety outcomes more generally. The core recommendation is that there should be a separation between the two key responsibilities of the RSA, which are the delivery of road safety customer services and wider road safety public interest activities.
The outgoing Minister for Transport secured Government approval to progress this core recommendation. It will bring about a radical transformation in how State road safety activities are coordinated and implemented, as we enter Phase 2 of the Government’s current ten-year Road Safety Strategy.
It is envisaged that the RSA will be reformed into two independent agencies, one focused on the delivery of services and operations and the other responsible for wider road safety initiatives including media campaigns, education and research. Government has today approved the development of a comprehensive implementation plan to progress this reform.
This reform will happen on a phased and planned basis. A Departmental Group will be established to consider and progress implementation of the Review. A new Road Safety Communications Steering Group will also be established immediately to bring together the RSA communication leads, the Department and other key stakeholders to ensure coordination across upcoming campaigns.
The final report emerging from the Indecon review can be read on the Department of Transport website here.