----With just a few weeks to go before the closing date, the Road Safety Authority (RSA ) is reminding people nationwide to get their entries in for the 2011 Leading Lights in Road Safety Awards. The awards recognise the extraordinary and often un-sung contributions of people across Ireland to make roads safer. The closing date for entries is Friday September 16 and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Farmleigh House on Wednesday October 12. Information on the categories and how to nominate a ‘Leading Light’, as well as entry forms, are available at www.rsa.ie/leadinglights
The awards will be judged by a prestigious panel including RTÉ Primetime presenter Miriam O’Callaghan; editor of the Irish Daily Star, Gerard Colleran; head of news at Today FM, Cathy Farrell; the welfare officer at the Union of Students of Ireland; chief fire officer of Dublin Fire Brigade, Hugh O’Neill; and Joe Reynolds, CEO of Reynolds Logistics Ltd.
Now in its fourth year, the awards honour the outstanding efforts of people from local community groups, media, schools and businesses nationwide to improve safety on Irish roads. Categories include Road Safety Ambassador of the Year and Young Road Safety Ambassador of the Year, Public Sector (Fire Services, Gardaí, paramedics, local authorities ) and Business (SMEs and large employers ). There will also be two categories for media (Local Media Award and National Media Award ) and five sections under an education category (Pre-school; Primary; Secondary; Third Level; and Community ). A Road Safety Officer of the Year and Approved Driving Instructor (ADI ) of the Year will also receive awards.
In addition to the category awards, one winner will be chosen to receive a Supreme Award. This will be presented to an individual or group for the most innovative and outstanding road safety initiative, leadership, and exemplary dedication to the area of road safety. Last year’s Supreme Award winner was school teacher Tommy Duffy from Holy Family National School, Swords, Co Dublin, for his work in educating young people on how to cycle safely.
Further information on the RSA’s Leading Lights in Road Safety Awards as well as information on previous winners is available at www.rsa.ie/leadinglights
