Greens reject link between road deaths and lack of investment 

The briefing note for Mr Ryan, prepared after last year's budget, highlighted the Cork City Northern Transport Project as the main source of additional deaths and injuries.

However, speaking in Dublin's Phoenix Park on Thursday, Mr O'Gorman said there is no question that this Government is not investing in roads.

"Safety on our roads is absolutely paramount in terms of the Green Party's approach and again in terms of the approach of the Department of Transport," he said.

That safety focus is observed in the design of roads, in their utilisation, and in their funding as well. Since this Government has come to office, €5.1bn has been spent on roads. 

"As part of that, over €1bn has been spent specifically on resurfacing and safety. This is more than was spent in the previous government."

Mr O'Gorman said the idea that the Government was ignoring warnings of underfunding did not "match up" with the expenditure.

OPW Junior Minister Patrick O'Donovan said he is "very satisfied" that roads around Limerick that are being given priority "are getting done". However, he said the N24 Limerick to Waterford road "is a concern".

Junior Transport Minister Jack Chambers said the warning from TII is "stark".

"This Government has set out a zero aspiration when it comes to reducing or minimising casualties and deaths on our roads. We plan to progress that and look for ways like the speed limits review and penalty points reform and other reforms we're trying to advance," he said. "But infrastructure is an important component when it comes to road safety."

The ministers were speaking at the launch of the 99 bus route, which will shuttle passengers from Parkgate St near Heuston Station to the Phoenix Park in Dublin. The route is the first public transport bus to operate within the Phoenix Park.