Latest News -
28th December 2017 - Deputy Tommy Broughan and PARC campaigns in 2017 resulted in a tougher penalty points regime and tightened road traffic legislation.
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/policing-and-hardhitting-ads-see-30-fewer-traffic-deaths-36440973.html
28th November 2017 - No one held accountable for 2 million fake breath tests!
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/breath-test-scandal-has-been-swept-under-carpet-463580.html
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims - 19th November 2017.
PARC has decided at this year's AGM to ask families, friends and neighbours to place a lighted candle on their window on Sunday 19th November 2017 at 3pm to mark this Special Day.
14th November 2017 -
Deputy Broughan's outstanding Dail speech on the Road Traffic Amendment Bill 2017 reminding Minister Ross yet again of the many serious related issues that must be addressed by his Department without further delay. Link...
11th October 2017 - Transport Minister Shane Ross delays in commencing learner driver laws.
Video of Deputy Broughan's Dail Priority Question today on unaccompanied learner driver laws. https://youtu.be/3j-fnxWhlnM
Noel Clancy and Deputy Tommy Broughan interviews on RTE 6.1 news https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/rte-news-six-one-30003249/10788399/?ap=1
https://www.rte.ie/…/2017/1011/911530-unaccompanied-drivers/
Noel Clancy bitterly disappointed with Minister Shane Ross RTE DRIVETIME http://www.rte.ie/radio/utils/radioplayer/rteradioweb.htm
28th September 2017
PARC would like to publicly acknowledge the perseverance and follow through of the Policing Authority in getting answers from An Garda Siochana (AGS) in relation to outstanding questions.
It is very encouraging for PARC to know that all our hard work in gathering information to ask relevant questions for families of victims is now being addressed.
While some questions remain unanswered we have every faith that the Policing Authority will get the answers.
Link to video recording of Policing Authority meeting with AGS on 28th September. View segment at 1h34m mark.
24th September 2017 – RTE This Week programme – PARC supports driving bans for drink drivers. http://www.rte.ie/radio/utils/radioplayer/rteradioweb.html#!rii=b9_21238383_0__
6th September 2017 - Susan Gray's interview on RTE 6.1 News on Garda fake breath test scandal
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4J-HoU2-67BLTJaa0hrWGNNeUU/view
1 August 2017 - Mutual recognition of disqualified drivers between UK and Ireland takes effect from today.
http://www.dttas.ie/press-releases/2017/mutual-recognition-driving-disqualifications-between-uk-and-ireland
July 2017 - The Policing Authority confirms to PARC that it will follow up with AGS the systemic issues we have highlighted recently.
Statement by PARC road safety group - Monday 10th July 2017
Farcical drink driving penalties out of kilter with alcohol levels.
Calling legislators to support Shane Ross’s bill
PARC fully supports the proposal to introduce an automatic ban for drivers with a blood alcohol level of 50mg – 80 mgs. We call on all deputies to do the right thing and vote for this automatic ban to remove these impaired drivers from our roads. Most rural dwellers want this ban despite what the vintners say.
The present situation is a farce where we have an automatic ban for young drivers if they are over the 20mg limit but no ban for more experienced drivers when they have between two and a half and four times that amount of alcohol in their blood.
We all know that impairment starts with the first drink yet we are telling our young drivers that once they have experience, they are allowed to drink and drive. Donegal Traffic Inspector Michael Harrison reported on 2 July in the Donegal Democrat, “there has been a 24% increase in the number of drink driver detections in Donegal in the first 6 months of this year. Notable this year is the number of young people detected for drink driving and the number of extremely high alcohol readings that are being detected. There are huge readings from young people, who we were not catching in the same numbers as last year”. This is happening in the home county of newly appointed Minister Joe Mc Hugh.
Do the politicians really think that penalty points have ever or will ever deter anyone from drink driving?
A minimum of 16 people died in a 5 year period where the driver responsible had a BAC between 50mg and 80mg. (For most of this 5 year period the alcohol levels of surviving drivers were not detected due to the absence of compulsory testing at collisions.) How many deaths will it take, to win the minds and hearts of those uncaring, politicians who favour the vintners?
We ask Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who was a very committed Minister for Transport to give every support possible to Minister Ross to bring this law over the line. While Sinn Fein have given the Bill their full support, Fianna Fail have failed.
We plead with Fianna Fail to put families before vintners and do the right thing by voting for Minister Ross’s Fixed Penalty - Drink Driving Bill 2017.
9th July 2017 - RTE's Sharon Ni Bheolain tackles Fianna Fail TD Robert Troy on party's failure to support Drink Driving Bill 2017
https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/the-week-in-politics-extras-30004539/10748834/
1st July 2017 – Following PARC's campaign to end practice of charging fees to families of RTC victims we have been informed that Garda HQ finally issued directive on 29 June following national media coverage. The Clancy family received an apology from Garda HQ and Gardai in Fermoy personally delivered all documents requested by the family, free of charge…
30th June 2017 – Garda Report requested by Justice Minister on fees charged to families of road traffic victims following Parliamentary questions raised by Deputy Tommy Broughan.
29 June 2017 - PARC discover Gardai continue to charge families of RTC victims for documents despite waiver.
Media coverage - Susan Gray interviewed by RTE 'Morning Ireland'.
http://www.rte.ie/radio/utils/radioplayer/rteradioweb.html#!rii=b9%5F21194997%5F48%5F29%2D06%2D2017%5F
Irish Times report - http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/fees-charged-to-crash-victim-families-should-be-repaid-parc-1.3137002
Irish Independent report - http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/i-was-absolutely-stunned-man-who-lost-wife-and-daughter-in-crash-billed-1940-for-garda-documents-35877977.html
27 June 2017 - PARC is very grateful for the generous donation it received from the Regan family in remembrance of their son Brian. These monies were raised by Brian’s work colleagues at SuperValu in Loughrea Galway. Brian died in a road traffic collision in Loughrea on 20 December 2015. RIP.
17 May 2017 - Conor Faughnan discusses PARC's analysis of raw data supplied to Deputy Tommy Broughan by the Justice Minister on use of mobile phones while driving.
Listen to Newstalk http://www.newstalk.com/Figures-reveal-serious-problem-with-phone-driving-conviction-rate
16 May 2017 - PARC exposes huge failures in serving of summonses
Irish Times report by Fiona Gartland
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/only-one-third-convicted-after-caught-on-phone-while-driving-1.3084096
PARC analysis show Wexford has best overall record for dealing with drivers who use their phone while driving.
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/wexford-tops-league-for-tackling-mobile-phone-driving-offences-1.3084123
18th April 2017 - Irish Times report on PARC's Analysis of drink driving offences.
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/only-a-fifth-of-drink-drivers-licences-recorded-in-two-years-1.3052098
13th April 2017 - PARC's open letter to Party Leaders for support of proposed drink driving laws.
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/letters/please-support-drinkdriving-laws-and-make-our-roads-safer-35618869.html
13th April 2017 - New law commenced requiring judges to record driving licence numbers on conviction.
28 March 2017 - Michael Clifford reports on PARC's analysis of speeding summonses.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/garda-crisis-just-one-in-five-speeding-offences-end-in-conviction-446288.html
27th March 2017 - David Walsh of PARC questions alcohol tests at crash scenes.
Listen to his interview at 04:50/25:09 on RTE nine o'clock news
http://www.rte.ie/news/player/nine-news-web/2017/0327/…
2nd March 2017 - PARC well ahead of 'Victims of Crime' Bill in providing information to victims.
Link to Dail debate..
Message from Bereaved Family to PARC
To Susan and all involved in PARC
"After the death of our beloved Brian in a Road Traffic Collision, we started looking for answers. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all at PARC. The booklet PARC created "Finding Your Way" has been a great source of practical information at a time in our lives when we did not know where to turn . The support and assistance we have received from PARC has been invaluable."
Thanking you
The Regan Family, Galway
9th February 2017 - PARC Road Safety Group was presented with a highly-commended award for their information booklet for families of victims of road traffic collisions at a Gala Dinner in the Law Society. The event was organised by the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) and was sponsored by Mason Hayes & Curran Solicitors. The prize winners were announced by well-known broadcaster Mr John Murray who was also a member of the judging panel. First prize in the category went to the DPP’s Office for their information booklet ‘Going to court as a witness’.
We are delighted with the recognition and we are very grateful to NALA, the judging panel and to Mason Hayes & Curran for their sponsorship.
7th February 2017 - The Courts (No. 2) Bill 2016
This bill is before Dáil Eireann for second stage. The purpose of the bill is to close off a loophole whereby drivers are avoiding conviction, fines and penalty points for offences such as speeding or holding a mobile phone while driving by claiming in court the non-receipt of the fixed charge notice.
21st January 2017 - Note of thanks received from the Clancy Family in Cork
“Following the tragic deaths of Geraldine and Louise in a road traffic collision, we were given the PARC Road Safety Group’s "Finding Your Way" booklet by our Garda Family Liaison Officer. The booklet is a fantastic resource which explains the complexities of the legal system surrounding road traffic collisions in a simple to understand format. The booklet guided us through what was an extremely overwhelming and confusing time.
We can't thank PARC Road Safety Group enough for their support and guidance. Through their hard work and lobbying, they assisted us in our successful efforts to change the laws regarding car owners who knowingly allow their car to be driven by an unaccompanied learner driver. This change in law is estimated to save 15 lives a year.
Clancy Family, Co. Cork
10th January 2017 - PARC welcomes change in law for learner drivers..
6th January 2017 - PARC member Noel Clancy's heart-breaking interview with Sharon Ni Bheolain
RTE News highlights huge problems in road safety...
6th January 2017 - Over 150 unaccompanied learner drivers involved in fatal or serious road traffic collisions over 5 years. Link to statement by Deputy Broughan..
4th January 2017 - PARC supports Minister Ross’s plan to increase penalties for drink driving. Link to statement..
Listen to Ann Fogarty on RTE Morning Ireland...
Listen to interview on Midwest radio. Go to 1 hour 37 minutes...
Link to Deputy Broughan's statement welcoming Minister for Transport's comments on drink driving..
28th December 2017 - Deputy Tommy Broughan and PARC campaigns in 2017 resulted in a tougher penalty points regime and tightened road traffic legislation.
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/policing-and-hardhitting-ads-see-30-fewer-traffic-deaths-36440973.html
28th November 2017 - No one held accountable for 2 million fake breath tests!
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/breath-test-scandal-has-been-swept-under-carpet-463580.html
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims - 19th November 2017.
PARC has decided at this year's AGM to ask families, friends and neighbours to place a lighted candle on their window on Sunday 19th November 2017 at 3pm to mark this Special Day.
14th November 2017 -
Deputy Broughan's outstanding Dail speech on the Road Traffic Amendment Bill 2017 reminding Minister Ross yet again of the many serious related issues that must be addressed by his Department without further delay. Link...
11th October 2017 - Transport Minister Shane Ross delays in commencing learner driver laws.
Video of Deputy Broughan's Dail Priority Question today on unaccompanied learner driver laws. https://youtu.be/3j-fnxWhlnM
Noel Clancy and Deputy Tommy Broughan interviews on RTE 6.1 news https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/rte-news-six-one-30003249/10788399/?ap=1
https://www.rte.ie/…/2017/1011/911530-unaccompanied-drivers/
Noel Clancy bitterly disappointed with Minister Shane Ross RTE DRIVETIME http://www.rte.ie/radio/utils/radioplayer/rteradioweb.htm
28th September 2017
PARC would like to publicly acknowledge the perseverance and follow through of the Policing Authority in getting answers from An Garda Siochana (AGS) in relation to outstanding questions.
It is very encouraging for PARC to know that all our hard work in gathering information to ask relevant questions for families of victims is now being addressed.
While some questions remain unanswered we have every faith that the Policing Authority will get the answers.
Link to video recording of Policing Authority meeting with AGS on 28th September. View segment at 1h34m mark.
24th September 2017 – RTE This Week programme – PARC supports driving bans for drink drivers. http://www.rte.ie/radio/utils/radioplayer/rteradioweb.html#!rii=b9_21238383_0__
6th September 2017 - Susan Gray's interview on RTE 6.1 News on Garda fake breath test scandal
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4J-HoU2-67BLTJaa0hrWGNNeUU/view
1 August 2017 - Mutual recognition of disqualified drivers between UK and Ireland takes effect from today.
http://www.dttas.ie/press-releases/2017/mutual-recognition-driving-disqualifications-between-uk-and-ireland
July 2017 - The Policing Authority confirms to PARC that it will follow up with AGS the systemic issues we have highlighted recently.
Statement by PARC road safety group - Monday 10th July 2017
Farcical drink driving penalties out of kilter with alcohol levels.
Calling legislators to support Shane Ross’s bill
PARC fully supports the proposal to introduce an automatic ban for drivers with a blood alcohol level of 50mg – 80 mgs. We call on all deputies to do the right thing and vote for this automatic ban to remove these impaired drivers from our roads. Most rural dwellers want this ban despite what the vintners say.
The present situation is a farce where we have an automatic ban for young drivers if they are over the 20mg limit but no ban for more experienced drivers when they have between two and a half and four times that amount of alcohol in their blood.
We all know that impairment starts with the first drink yet we are telling our young drivers that once they have experience, they are allowed to drink and drive. Donegal Traffic Inspector Michael Harrison reported on 2 July in the Donegal Democrat, “there has been a 24% increase in the number of drink driver detections in Donegal in the first 6 months of this year. Notable this year is the number of young people detected for drink driving and the number of extremely high alcohol readings that are being detected. There are huge readings from young people, who we were not catching in the same numbers as last year”. This is happening in the home county of newly appointed Minister Joe Mc Hugh.
Do the politicians really think that penalty points have ever or will ever deter anyone from drink driving?
A minimum of 16 people died in a 5 year period where the driver responsible had a BAC between 50mg and 80mg. (For most of this 5 year period the alcohol levels of surviving drivers were not detected due to the absence of compulsory testing at collisions.) How many deaths will it take, to win the minds and hearts of those uncaring, politicians who favour the vintners?
We ask Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who was a very committed Minister for Transport to give every support possible to Minister Ross to bring this law over the line. While Sinn Fein have given the Bill their full support, Fianna Fail have failed.
We plead with Fianna Fail to put families before vintners and do the right thing by voting for Minister Ross’s Fixed Penalty - Drink Driving Bill 2017.
9th July 2017 - RTE's Sharon Ni Bheolain tackles Fianna Fail TD Robert Troy on party's failure to support Drink Driving Bill 2017
https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/the-week-in-politics-extras-30004539/10748834/
1st July 2017 – Following PARC's campaign to end practice of charging fees to families of RTC victims we have been informed that Garda HQ finally issued directive on 29 June following national media coverage. The Clancy family received an apology from Garda HQ and Gardai in Fermoy personally delivered all documents requested by the family, free of charge…
30th June 2017 – Garda Report requested by Justice Minister on fees charged to families of road traffic victims following Parliamentary questions raised by Deputy Tommy Broughan.
29 June 2017 - PARC discover Gardai continue to charge families of RTC victims for documents despite waiver.
Media coverage - Susan Gray interviewed by RTE 'Morning Ireland'.
http://www.rte.ie/radio/utils/radioplayer/rteradioweb.html#!rii=b9%5F21194997%5F48%5F29%2D06%2D2017%5F
Irish Times report - http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/fees-charged-to-crash-victim-families-should-be-repaid-parc-1.3137002
Irish Independent report - http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/i-was-absolutely-stunned-man-who-lost-wife-and-daughter-in-crash-billed-1940-for-garda-documents-35877977.html
27 June 2017 - PARC is very grateful for the generous donation it received from the Regan family in remembrance of their son Brian. These monies were raised by Brian’s work colleagues at SuperValu in Loughrea Galway. Brian died in a road traffic collision in Loughrea on 20 December 2015. RIP.
17 May 2017 - Conor Faughnan discusses PARC's analysis of raw data supplied to Deputy Tommy Broughan by the Justice Minister on use of mobile phones while driving.
Listen to Newstalk http://www.newstalk.com/Figures-reveal-serious-problem-with-phone-driving-conviction-rate
16 May 2017 - PARC exposes huge failures in serving of summonses
Irish Times report by Fiona Gartland
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/only-one-third-convicted-after-caught-on-phone-while-driving-1.3084096
PARC analysis show Wexford has best overall record for dealing with drivers who use their phone while driving.
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/wexford-tops-league-for-tackling-mobile-phone-driving-offences-1.3084123
18th April 2017 - Irish Times report on PARC's Analysis of drink driving offences.
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/only-a-fifth-of-drink-drivers-licences-recorded-in-two-years-1.3052098
13th April 2017 - PARC's open letter to Party Leaders for support of proposed drink driving laws.
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/letters/please-support-drinkdriving-laws-and-make-our-roads-safer-35618869.html
13th April 2017 - New law commenced requiring judges to record driving licence numbers on conviction.
28 March 2017 - Michael Clifford reports on PARC's analysis of speeding summonses.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/garda-crisis-just-one-in-five-speeding-offences-end-in-conviction-446288.html
27th March 2017 - David Walsh of PARC questions alcohol tests at crash scenes.
Listen to his interview at 04:50/25:09 on RTE nine o'clock news
http://www.rte.ie/news/player/nine-news-web/2017/0327/…
2nd March 2017 - PARC well ahead of 'Victims of Crime' Bill in providing information to victims.
Link to Dail debate..
Message from Bereaved Family to PARC
To Susan and all involved in PARC
"After the death of our beloved Brian in a Road Traffic Collision, we started looking for answers. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all at PARC. The booklet PARC created "Finding Your Way" has been a great source of practical information at a time in our lives when we did not know where to turn . The support and assistance we have received from PARC has been invaluable."
Thanking you
The Regan Family, Galway
9th February 2017 - PARC Road Safety Group was presented with a highly-commended award for their information booklet for families of victims of road traffic collisions at a Gala Dinner in the Law Society. The event was organised by the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) and was sponsored by Mason Hayes & Curran Solicitors. The prize winners were announced by well-known broadcaster Mr John Murray who was also a member of the judging panel. First prize in the category went to the DPP’s Office for their information booklet ‘Going to court as a witness’.
We are delighted with the recognition and we are very grateful to NALA, the judging panel and to Mason Hayes & Curran for their sponsorship.
7th February 2017 - The Courts (No. 2) Bill 2016
This bill is before Dáil Eireann for second stage. The purpose of the bill is to close off a loophole whereby drivers are avoiding conviction, fines and penalty points for offences such as speeding or holding a mobile phone while driving by claiming in court the non-receipt of the fixed charge notice.
21st January 2017 - Note of thanks received from the Clancy Family in Cork
“Following the tragic deaths of Geraldine and Louise in a road traffic collision, we were given the PARC Road Safety Group’s "Finding Your Way" booklet by our Garda Family Liaison Officer. The booklet is a fantastic resource which explains the complexities of the legal system surrounding road traffic collisions in a simple to understand format. The booklet guided us through what was an extremely overwhelming and confusing time.
We can't thank PARC Road Safety Group enough for their support and guidance. Through their hard work and lobbying, they assisted us in our successful efforts to change the laws regarding car owners who knowingly allow their car to be driven by an unaccompanied learner driver. This change in law is estimated to save 15 lives a year.
Clancy Family, Co. Cork
10th January 2017 - PARC welcomes change in law for learner drivers..
6th January 2017 - PARC member Noel Clancy's heart-breaking interview with Sharon Ni Bheolain
RTE News highlights huge problems in road safety...
6th January 2017 - Over 150 unaccompanied learner drivers involved in fatal or serious road traffic collisions over 5 years. Link to statement by Deputy Broughan..
4th January 2017 - PARC supports Minister Ross’s plan to increase penalties for drink driving. Link to statement..
Listen to Ann Fogarty on RTE Morning Ireland...
Listen to interview on Midwest radio. Go to 1 hour 37 minutes...
Link to Deputy Broughan's statement welcoming Minister for Transport's comments on drink driving..
