The Road Safety Authority (RSA ) is set to be split into two independent agencies under plans being pushed by the Government.
The reform of the RSA follows the publication of the final report of an independent external review into the body’s mandate.
The main recommendation is that there should be a separation between the two key responsibilities of the RSA. As such, the RSA is expected to be reformed into two independent agencies, one focused on the delivery of services and operations (driver licence, testing, NCT ), and the other responsible for wider road safety initiatives including media campaigns, education and research.
The Government has already approved the reform, which will happen on a phased and planned basis.
To begin, 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.
There will also be a new chair of the RSA, who will be directly appointed by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan in the short term. The term of the previous chair, Liz O’Donnell, ended in October.
Minister of State, James Lawless said: "By reforming the RSA into an agency with a singular operational focus and establishing a standalone entity to deliver wider public interest activities, I believe we will realise substantial benefits with improved provision of key road safety services.”
