A motorcycle-training programme for young riders run by Fingal County Council has been awarded the top honour in the Irish Road Safety Endeavour Awards.
The National Safety Council Endeavour Award 2003 was presented to the council for its work in training motorcyclists over the past 12 years.
Its "Star Rider" programme targets young inexperienced riders in particular. Since its introduction, the programme has trained thousands of motorcyclists in safe riding techniques.
"It's a model of good practice which I would encourage other local authorities to examine and adopt" the chairman of the National Safety Council, Mr Eddie Shaw, said.
The award was presented by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Dr McDaid, at the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin.
In addition to the overall award, five category awards and two special commendations were also presented to various organisations. An Garda Síochána was awarded two prizes for its education and road safety campaigns.
Waterford local radio station WLR FM won the media category for an ad featuring the father of a young man killed in a hit-and-run road traffic accident. The bereaved man delivers a harrowing account of the impact the tragedy had on him and his family.
Each category award winner was presented with a limited edition cast bronze and stainless steel sculpture created by Cork artist Vivienne Roche. The overall winner was presented with a separate sculpture by the same artist.