Minister Ross pays tribute to Gay Byrne for role in road safety

Shane Ross TD, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, has paid tribute to the late Gay Byrne, who was Chairman of the Road Safety Authority for eight years, up to his retirement from the role in 2014.

Minister Ross said: “Gay Byrne was appointed Chairman of the RSA in 2006 and he worked tirelessly in the role for eight years, driving home the message that we needed to instil a culture of safe and responsible driving. There is no doubt that having someone of the calibre, credibility and profile of Gay had a major impact on a succession of road safety campaigns in the succeeding years.”

“Having Gay at the helm at the very outset of the establishment of the RSA had an immediate impact. When Gay took up the reins in 2006, road fatalities stood at 365. By 2014, when he retired, road fatalities had fallen to 193 thanks to the great work of the RSA, Gardai and the leadership and passion shown by Gay.”

“That is a wonderful legacy to leave behind and we need to continue to build on that work. He proved to be an independent leader who, when required, was fearless in criticising Governments in not providing enough resources in the ongoing campaign of encouraging safer driving and ensuring the State had the policing manpower and the legal deterrents to effect real change in behaviour.”

“Our deepest sympathies go to his widow Kathleen and daughters Crona and Suzy.”