Road Safety Radio Episode 1: What Needs to be Done With the N81?

Radio Safety Radio

Saturday, 5 September 2026 - 32 minutes

In this episode of Road Safety Radio, Jamie Ryan takes an in-depth look at the N81 and the longstanding concerns surrounding road safety along one of West Wicklow’s most important routes.

The programme examines more than a decade of collision statistics, ongoing plans to improve sections of the N81, dangerous driving and overtaking, enforcement and the impact increasing traffic is having on the road.

Jamie hears from West Wicklow Councillor Gerry O’Neill about the long-running campaign for improvements, Blessington resident Rob Walsh about his family’s personal experience of serious collisions on the N81, and Leo Lieghio of the Irish Road Victims’ Association about road safety, driver responsibility and the lasting human impact of serious and fatal collisions.

Road Safety Radio asks what needs to change to make the N81 safer and what can be done now while communities wait for longer-term infrastructure improvements.

Road Safety Radio is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.