Plans to remove roadside memorials need more consultation, a TD in Tipperary has warned

A plan for local authorities to remove roadside memorials for victims of car accidents needs to be considered in more detail, Tipperary TD Michael Murphy has said.

Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy, Chairperson of the Oireachtas Transport Committee said that he learned of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Department of Transport’s new policy yesterday.

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.

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Deputy Murphy said: “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

“I was not made aware of this policy in advance. That raises very serious questions about the level of engagement that took place, most importantly with bereaved families and road victim advocacy groups, who are naturally very upset to read about this plan in today’s newspaper.

“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.”

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Deputy Murphy also questioned the consistency of the approach being taken. “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. 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.

“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?

“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.”