Roadside Memorial Ban Proposal Criticised Over Christmas Timing

Friday, 12 December 2025 12:36

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien says there's no definitive decision on the plans.

Plans are being considered to stop roadside memorials on motorways, dual carriageways, and high-speed roads over 60 kilometers per hour due to safety risks.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland is warning of pedestrians, stopping vehicles, and driver distractions as the main reasons for the proposal.

Local authorities are urged to offer alternatives like memorial gardens, while keeping road safety the priority.

Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien says there's no definitive decision on the plans.

The Chair of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Deputy Michael Murphy (FG), has raised serious concerns about the policy, questioning whether bereaved families and road-victim advocacy groups were properly consulted.

He said roadside memorials are deeply personal expressions of grief, warning that a blanket approach - introduced just before Christmas - risks causing additional distress and uncertainty for families.

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