'Regrettable' that policy on removing roadside memorials emerges near Christmas, TD says

Eva Osborne

It is "regrettable" that a plan for local authorities to remove roadside memorials for victims of car accidents has emerged in the run-up to Christmas, a Fine Gael TD has said.

The policy advises local authorities that the installation of roadside memorials is not permitted on motorways, dual carriageways, and on roads with speed limits greater than 60km/h.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland said the presence of roadside memorials on these high-speed roads introduces "significant safety risks".

These risks include increased pedestrian activity in hazardous locations, stopping, parking, and vehicles manoeuvres, maintenance activities such as grass cutting or decoration placement, and distraction to other road users.

Chair of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Deputy Michael Murphy, said the policy raises "very serious questions" about the level of engagement that took place, most importantly with bereaved 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.

“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.

"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.

“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?"

Road safety

The Department of Transport and TII said they recognise that roadside memorials are often placed by bereaved families and friends as a tribute to loved ones who have lost their lives in road traffic incidents.

However, they said the safety of all road users must be the "primary objective" for Road Authorities.

"Highspeed roads are inherently dangerous environments, and only trained, equipped, and authorised personnel may carry out roadside works or interventions," TII said.

"Unauthorised access to the roadside poses a risk to both the individual(s) and all other road users."

For these reasons, TII said:

• The installation of roadside memorials on the motorway and dual carriageway network shall not be permitted;
• The installation of roadside memorials on the high-speed single carriageway road network (>60 km/h) should not be permitted;
• Each Local Authority, as the Road Authority, is required to have their own Roadside Memorial Policy on this matter which should take into account the recommendations of this policy.

TII recommended that Local Authorities make alternative options available for members of the public to remember their loved ones, such as designated memorial gardens or public spaces.

Deputy Murphy said he is questioning the consistency of the approach being taken by TII and the Department of Transport.

“Local authorities already operate licensing systems for roadside advertising, where proposals are assessed on a case-by-case basis with road safety, visibility and location taken into account," he said.

"If that level of discretion is considered appropriate for commercial advertising, it is entirely reasonable to ask why a similar, sensitive and consultative approach cannot be applied to roadside memorials for grieving families.

“I am calling on TII and the Department of Transport to pause, reflect and engage meaningfully with bereaved families, advocacy groups and public representatives.

"I am confident that we can continue to work together to protect road safety while also respecting grief, remembrance and dignity. This policy, as it stands, does not strike that necessary balance.”