IPH supports lowering drink driving limits for the island - particularly important for those living in border areas

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) endorses recent statements from Northern Ireland Minister Edwin Poots MLA to consider lowering the Northern Ireland legal limit for drink driving and the recent decision of Republic of Ireland Transport Minister Noel Dempsey TD to reduce current drink driving limits to 50mg per 100mg from the current limit of 80mg per 100ml of blood.  

IPH stresses the importance of agreement on uniform limits across Ireland, North and South, particularly for those living in border areas.

IPH Associate Director, Owen Metcalfe, said: ‘We need coherent joined up policy across the island of Ireland which clarifies the issue for all concerned. Previous IPH research has shown higher rates of road deaths in border counties when compared to the rest of Ireland, North and South. Drink driving plays a large part in this.

“The Northern Ireland Department of Environment and the Republic of Ireland’s Department of Transport already work together in this area and we would welcome agreement on further lowering of limits across Ireland, North and South. In the past ambivalent attitudes to alcohol use have contributed to unnecessary deaths and injuries resulting in immense personal, family and societal pain.”  

He continued: “Recent research proves reducing blood alcohol limits saves lives. Dr Declan Bedford’s report ‘Alcohol in Fatal Road Crashes in Ireland 2003 to 2005’ states that in Ireland where a blood alcohol level could be taken from fatally injured drivers, one in two had a blood concentration of 50mg per 100ml or higher.

“62% of single vehicle occupant fatal road accidents are alcohol related and alcohol related road accidents are 1.5 times more likely to occur in border counties. We need to ensure that up to date research such as this influences policy.”

Further Information
Republic of Ireland - Ronan Cavanagh, Montague Communications: (01) 830 3116 or (086) 317 9731.
Northern Ireland – Gary McKeown, Strategem: 028 908 72800.

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH)
The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) was established to promote cooperation for public health across the island of Ireland. It aims to improve health by working to combat health inequalities and influence public policy in favour of health. Further information can be found at www.publichealth.ie.