It is “regrettable” that a proposal for local authorities to take down roadside memorials for road-crash victims has surfaced just before Christmas, a Fine Gael TD has said.
The guidance tells local councils that memorials cannot be placed on motorways, dual carriageways, or on roads where the speed limit exceeds 60km/h, reports Breaking News.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland stated that roadside memorials on these high-speed routes create “significant safety risks”.
These dangers involve higher levels of pedestrian activity in unsafe areas, stopping or parking on the roadside, vehicle manoeuvres, maintenance tasks like grass cutting or placing decorations, and potential distraction for drivers, reports Breaking News.
Chair of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Deputy Michael Murphy, said the move raises “very serious questions” about how much engagement occurred, especially with grieving families and road-victim advocacy groups.
“Roadside memorials are deeply personal and profoundly emotional markers of loss. They are not merely roadside features – they are expressions of grief and remembrance by families whose lives have been shattered by road tragedies,” he said,
“Road safety must always be paramount. Nobody disputes that. However, safety considerations can and should be addressed through guidance, consultation and careful assessment — not through a blanket prohibition that removes discretion, compassion and local understanding,” reports Breaking News
“It is also regrettable that this policy has emerged in the run-up to Christmas, a time that is especially difficult for families who have lost loved ones on our roads,” reports Breaking News.
“For many, grief is already heightened at this time of year, and the anxiety and uncertainty this now creates for families with existing memorials is upsetting,” reports Breaking News.
“This morning there is now is real fear among families about what this policy means for memorials that are already in place, in some cases for many years. Are they to be removed? Who decides? And has any direct engagement taken place with the families involved?” reports Breaking News.
The Department of Transport and TII said they understand that many memorials are installed by loved ones as a tribute to those who died in traffic collisions.
However, they emphasised that protecting all road users must remain the “primary objective” of Road Authorities, reports Breaking News.
“Highspeed roads are inherently dangerous environments, and only trained, equipped, and authorised personnel may carry out roadside works or interventions,” TII said, reports Breaking News.
“Unauthorised access to the roadside poses a risk to both the individual(s) and all other road users,” reports Breaking News.
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