Dublin City Council holds memorial event to mark the upcoming ‘World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims’

Dublin City Council today held a memorial event in the Civic Offices to commemorate the upcoming ‘World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims’, which falls on this coming Sunday, November 19.

The event aims to promote road safety by bringing together various state bodies and stakeholders.

This proactive initiative by the Road Safety and Micromobility Unit of Dublin City Council not only commemorates the victims but also champions the cause of fostering a safer and more conscientious road culture.

The event took place in the Atrium in the Civic Offices, Wood Quay, and provided a substantial platform to highlight the critical importance of road safety.

The program included a speech by a representative of the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ann Feeney, followed by a moment of silence and a performance from the Christ Church Cathedral Choir.

Throughout the event the Civic Offices were illuminated with the powerful message “World Day of Remembrance” in both Irish and English, symbolizing the shared commitment to honouring those affected by traffic accidents.

On Sunday November 19th, on ‘World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims’, homes across Dublin are invited to participate in Remembrance Day by placing a light in their window to honour those who have lost their lives in road accidents over the past year.

Businesses and organisations across Dublin City are invited to participate in the campaign by lighting up their premises.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), along with An Garda Síochána, Local County Councils, Emergency Services, and victim support groups, have organized masses, services, and commemorative events around the country.

Our campaigns aim to encourage the public to reflect on the heartfelt effects of road traffic crashes, examine positive changes, and explore how to adopt positive road use behaviour.

Speaking about the event Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste, stated, “World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims is commemorated on the third Sunday of November each year.

“This day is an opportunity for everyone to remember road-crash victims and our way of ensuring that those who have died or been seriously injured are not forgotten.

“Because behind the numbers are real people, somebody’s father, brother, son, mother, sister, or daughter.

“I want to recognize the heroes who respond to these emergencies with unwavering dedication.

“The emergency services. Our paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, among others, are the first responders in the most challenging of circumstances.”

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers, added, “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is always an important occasion that allows us to remember and honour the memories of those who have tragically lost their lives on our roads.

“Every single death on our roads is one too many and each fatality causes untold devastation for victims’ families, friends and the wider community.

“This year’s commemoration takes on a particularly profound significance as we reflect on the deeply worrying increase in fatalities that has occurred so far in 2023.

“As we remember those we have lost and all those injured in collisions, we also commit to redoubling our efforts to reduce road fatalities and to help make our roads safer for all users.

“I also want to acknowledge our emergency services and first responders who do incredible work caring for those involved in road incidents, often in the most challenging and distressing of circumstances.”

Liz O’Donnell, chairperson of the Road Safety Authority, said, “The RSA will be joining forces again with members of An Garda Síochána, Local County Councils, emergency services and victim support groups to mark the day (Sunday November 19th) and remember those who have died on our roads at services across the country.

“Now is an important time to reflect on what has been a very difficult year. Too many families have been devastated by road trauma and the loss or serious injury to a loved one. As we look to 2024, we in the RSA are determined to reverse the upward trend in road crashes.

“We have made great progress in road safety in the past and we can do it again if we all commit to it by being aware and vigilant and taking responsibility for the safety of other road users.”

Jennifer McGrath, Head of Dublin City Council Road Safety and Micromobility Section, said, “Dublin City Council’s Road Safety and Micromobility Unit is committed to prioritise road safety.

“The recently approved Dublin City Council Road Safety Strategy 2023-2030 demonstrations our commitment.

“Our goal is to significantly reduce fatalities as we actively work towards achieving Vision Zero.

“Our memorial event is part of the World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims.

“My team and I planned this event to promote awareness of road safety, and it is a chance for us to remember the victims, their families and everyone affected by road accidents.

“The tragic fatality involving a cyclist in the Dublin City Council area on Monday, 6th November, and recent fatalities in the Dublin Region, have saddened my team, and was felt by the wider community in the Roads and Transportation Departments, our deepest sympathy is offered to their families.

“On every occasion where someone loses their life on our roads or is seriously injured, it has a devastating impact, I would like to invite everyone to take some time out of their schedules to pause and reflect on this and remember all those affected.”