Ireland plans stricter road safety laws and energy crisis measures

The Irish government is developing new measures to address road safety and energy security. Following a fatal accident on the M9 motorway involving a vehicle traveling the wrong way, authorities are planning stricter penalties for intentional wrong-way driving. These changes, expected to be implemented by the end of 2026, aim to distinguish between accidental errors and deliberate dangerous behavior, potentially introducing longer prison sentences.

In a separate effort to prepare for potential energy shocks, internal documents from the Department of Transport outline crisis scenarios to manage fuel shortages. One proposed measure involves restricting vehicle use based on license plate numbers—allowing only even or odd numbers on specific days—to reduce fuel consumption by approximately half. While these measures are currently contingency plans, officials acknowledge the significant economic and social challenges they would pose, particularly for rural residents and essential services.