National Safety Council denies it is a mouthpiece for the car lobby

The National Safety Council has rejected a call for its disbandment following last week's revelation of massive profit levels in the motor insurance industry.

The Motor Insurance Justice Action Group and the Galway Cycling Campaign made the call yesterday, claiming the NSC had close links with motor insurers.

The two groups claimed the council was "largely controlled" by entities, such as the insurance companies and the AA, which have an interest in promoting private car use.

They also complained that no pedestrians, cyclists or non-commercial bodies were represented on the NSC.

However, the chief executive of the NSC, Mr Pat Costello, rejected the claim. He said a wide variety of interests were represented on the council, including insurers, the Garda, the Department of the Environment and local authorities.

Funding had been provided for many years by the Department and the Irish Insurance Federation, he said. Additional projects were paid for by a wide range of business interests.

He pointed out that one of the council's forthcoming advertising campaigns would focus on the dangers to pedestrians. "Our sole brief is to contribute to a reduction of the carnage on our roads," Mr Costello said.