Wall welcomes review of M7/M9 Junction – Time for Decisive Action on Road Safety
- Government must prioritise road safety improvements
Labour’s Mark Wall TD has welcomed confirmation through a Parliamentary Question that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) will undertake a review of the M7/M9 junction to determine what measures can be implemented to improve road safety. This follows a series of serious road collisions at this junction in recent months, with growing concerns from commuters and local residents.
Deputy Wall said:
“I have received a high volume of correspondence from commuters regarding the number of serious road collisions on both sides of this junction. It is clear that urgent action is needed to address the safety concerns that so many road users have highlighted. This review is a welcome step, but it must be followed by swift and effective interventions to prevent further accidents and save lives.
“As a country, we must ensure that funds for road improvement projects are targeted in a way that prioritises safety first. Road safety improvements and junction tightening must be the primary focus, followed by relieving towns and villages of congestion through bypasses, and then addressing regional connectivity. It is simply unacceptable for lives to be put at risk due to delays in implementing necessary safety measures.”
Deputy Wall also highlighted the worrying reversal of progress on road safety in recent years.
“For years, we saw positive trends in road safety, with declining fatalities and serious injuries. However, these trends have now been reversed. We have shown before that it is possible to reduce road deaths and serious accidents, but it requires political will and decisive action. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to achieve this again.
“We want to see the Government working with Labour and other opposition parties to implement effective road safety measures and protect our citizens. This is not a time for empty promises or half-measures – it is time for decisive action. The safety of road users must be paramount, and that means making the right political choices now.”