Sir,- The terrifying certainty of 500 road deaths over the next year seems to merit only ritual platitudes and evasions.
To anyone who travels a lot in Ireland, the annual massacre is no surprise. Firstly, despite a scattering of prestige EU-funded projects, the road network is of strictly ass-and-cart standard. Increasing numbers of vehicles designed for advanced European infrastructure are piling onto dangerous cart-tracks which would not be out of place in developing countries. Secondly and more importantly, there is a near-complete absence of enforcement. There is no highway policing service. Dangerous driving and dangerous vehicles abound unchecked. For example, how often does one see a correctly-lighted and plated trailer, especially tractor-drawn? This dereliction is compounded by comic-opera penalty procedures which can have a Garda wait in a court all day to pursue a no-seatbelt violation - which will probably be dismissed.
The reason for this criminal neglect is not shortage of money but the robbery of road users by the State. Irish road useage costs are among the highest on earth. The solution is clear. Useage charges must go directly to a professional organisation which will construct, maintain and police roads to European standards. To obstruct or neglect such reform is to be guilty of complicity in manslaughter as well as economic sabotage. - Yours, etc., Martin Newell, Annaghdown, Galway.