TII Publishes First-Ever Network-Wide Road Safety Ratings for Ireland’s National Primary Roads

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has published its first ever Network-Wide Road Safety Assessment (NWA), marking a new milestone in Ireland’s commitment to safer roads. This safety rating system evaluates approximately 2500km of the national primary road network by combining both historical collision data and data from current proactive infrastructure inspections. This action is a requirement under the EU Road Infrastructure Safety Management (RISM) Directive. The Directive mandates safety classification for major road networks across Europe.

The NWA uses a safety ranking system to identify road sections with differing levels of risk. Thirty route sections, which account for less than 3% of the national primary network, have been classified amongst the highest level of risk i.e. the least safe, thus prompting follow-up action including targeted inspections and remedial works. Many of these route sections are covered by schemes already in planning and therefore reinforces the transport sectoral plan. The remaining sections will be analysed and targeted with safety interventions through Road Safety Improvement Scheme funding.

TII has a long history of carrying out collision analysis and more recently has engaged in proactive inspections of the network. However, this is the first time that a combined safety rating has been released , which marks a significant step forward in how TII assess safety across the primary road network and strengthens the case for where future investment is targeted.

The assessment highlights the disproportionate risk on single carriageway national roads, which account for 92% of fatalities despite representing only 38% of vehicle kilometres travelled.

Next Steps:

• Desktop assessments and on-site inspections will be conducted for the least safe sites.
• An NWA Action Plan will be developed to guide future safety interventions.
• The safety ratings will help demonstrate road safety benefits more clearly and need for several major schemes currently in the pipeline, including upgrades to junctions, roadside safety features, and divided carriageways.
• Continued collaboration with local authorities will ensure that safety improvement schemes are effectively delivered.

This initiative not only meets with European legislative requirements but also supports Ireland’s Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030, reinforcing TII’s commitment to reducing road trauma and building a safer transport network for all and evidence based Safe Systems approach.

Published - 27.11.25 - TII Publishes First-Ever Network-Wide Road Safety Ratings for Ireland’s National Primary Roads