Sir, – The statistics issued recently by the Road Safety Authority showing that 45 pedestrians were killed on Irish roads in 2025 are appalling in themselves and a real tragedy for those who have lost loved ones.
Part of the reason for these untimely deaths is obviously bad behaviour by drivers. However, especially in the context of rural roads, these deaths also arose because of the lack of safe off-road footpaths which obliged people to walk along the road.
How many times have we seen people, walking along rural roads wearing high vis jackets in the hope of not being mown down by oncoming traffic?
In so many parts of Ireland there are no safe places for people to walk adjacent to their homes. In other European countries, including our nearest neighbour, the UK, people can find safe off-road places to walk nearby. In the past we had such safe off-road paths but gradually they have disappeared and continue to do so.
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We need urgent political action to address this problem. As things stand at present, ensuring access can be either extremely expensive or very drawn out. Consider the approximately €11 million of public money shelled out to ensure good access at Castletown House in Celbridge, Co Kildare or the fact that it’s taken over 11 years to open up a short 3.1km section of the South Kerry Greenway.
Other countries have robust legislation in place which protects safe access for walkers and which allows access to be extended. Without such legislation it’s well nigh impossible to create access for walkers in places like the Strawberry Beds in Co Dublin or Wicklow Head. It’s time for politicians to take courage in their hands and address this important issue. – Yours, etc,
ROBERT DOWDS,
Chairperson,
Keep Ireland Open.
Clondalkin,
Dublin.
