PRESS RELEASE

DATE: 29 October 2009
SOURCE: Youth Work Ireland

Youth Work Ireland has today called on TD’s to support the Transport Ministers plans to lower the blood alcohol limit to a level similar to most EU countries with superior road safety records. The organisation whose 22 community based members work with abut 50,000 young people around Ireland believes the changes proposed will ensure a safer environment for young people as drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. The group has urged TD’s resisting the changes to channel their energies into rural transport and other solutions which would benefit the entire rural community.

“Too many young people loose their lives on the road every year. There are a variety of factors contributing to this but alcohol is undoubtedly one whether that is on the part of a young driver or a young passenger or pedestrian who is the victim of a driver over the limit. There has been a changed culture in relation to drink driving in recent times and this needs to continue. We want young people and society at large to accept the scientific and research based evidence that lowering the blood alcohol limit will save lives” said Michael Mc Loughlin of Youth Work Ireland

“Public representatives need to show leadership on this issue and contribute to the highest standards of safety for everyone in our community. Such a move would also encourage a move away from alcohol and the pub as the only civic and social outlet. Young people continually suffer from the lack alcohol free social outlets. Is it any wonder then that we have an underage drinking problem when our decision makers lionise and celebrate the culture of alcohol and cannot properly regulate it’s availability” Mr. Mc Loughlin added

More Information:

Contact: Michael Mc Loughlin 087 6677499