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Government backs plan to break up RSA

The Government has approved proposals for a shake-up of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) that would involve a break-up of the organisation. 

The recommendations were made in the final report of an independent external review of the RSA carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants. 

The report comes amid a rising trend in road deaths in recent years and recent financial losses recorded by the RSA. 

It says that the RSA’s operational activities – including driver-testing services and the NCT – should be separated from its road-safety education and awareness campaigns. 

Two agencies 

The Department of Transport said that Minister Eamon Ryan had secured Government approval to progress this core recommendation.   

“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,” the department stated. 

The Indecon report recommends that the RSA retain its existing operational customer-focused services for motorists, with the Department of Transport assuming national responsibility for awareness campaigns and education, with funding coming from the Exchequer. 

The report refers to the RSA’s financial losses, adding that there is a risk of “insufficient resources and focus” being allocated to road safety, education, and co-ordination. 

Fees increase 

It also warns that the organisation is likely to require an increase in fees for its services next year and “modest increases” in subsequent years. 

The report also calls for an “urgent” change in the Roads Act 1993 to facilitate the sharing of collision data with local authorities. It adds that legislative changes will also be needed to change the remit of the RSA. 

To ensure continuity and leadership, Minister Ryan is to make a direct appointment of the next chair of the RSA, as the term of the previous chair, Liz O’Donnell, ended in October.