17/01/2025

Funding Restored For GCSE Aimed At Improving Road Safety

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has reinstated funding to support a GCSE designed to improve road safety.

The Minister has agreed to fund a scheme that supports the Motor Vehicle and Road User (MVRUS) GCSE, which targets young people who are sadly over-represented in road traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

The MVRUS GCSE scheme will support ongoing work in education and training as part of the Strategic Priority Areas identified in the Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030, which was launched in September 2024.

Minister O'Dowd visited St Mark's School in Warrenpoint to meet pupils who have taken the GCSE and staff who deliver the subject.

The Minister said: "I am delighted to be at St Mark's today and to hear about the value the school places on the MVRUS GCSE for helping to prepare young people for making good road safety decisions.

"Road safety is a priority for me as Minister and this year I launched a new Road Safety Strategy to help keep our community safe while using our roads and education is an important part of that strategy.
News Image
"Sadly 68 people had their lives cut short and hundreds more were seriously injured on our roads last year and three people have lost their lives already in 2025. This causes untold devastation.

"Unfortunately, young drivers are more likely to be affected by serious road traffic collisions.

"We must all remember every day as road users to make potentially lifesaving choices,  to be more mindful of others and proceed with care, follow the rules of the road they are there to protect us and help everyone get home safe."

Eamonn McPolin, who has taught the MVRUS GCSE for 20 years, said: "This subject is very beneficial, particularly for young people because of its links to road safety.

"Pupils learn the safe use of a moped, which is such an important practical skill.

"This funding enables schools to purchase mopeds and safety equipment for the practical element of the course, which is crucial."

St Mark's student Amy McCoy, 17, who took the MVRUS GCSE in 2024, said: "It prepares you for being on the road and helps you to be a better road user.

"It makes you aware of the possible dangers on the roads and of road traffic collisions."

Matthew Blair, 16, said: "I believe what I learned doing this GCSE will make me a more careful road user as sadly there have been a lot of people affected by road traffic collisions.

"The mopeds are a big help for us learning how to be a good road user and that will stay with us."


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

19 September 2018
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
21 March 2005
New road safety campaign for young people
Environment Minister Angela Smith has launched a new Road Safety campaign highlighting the dangers faced by young people on the roads.
20 September 2018
Number Of Roads Remain Closed Following Storm Ali
A number of roads remain closed across Northern Ireland following the damage caused by Storm Ali. The following roads are still closed, however the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is working to clear the obstructions along with its multiagency partners.
01 June 2017
Man Dies In Workplace Accident In Co Armagh
A man has died in a workplace accident in Co Armagh. It is believed the man was crushed by a road roller while a new road surface was being laid on the Bog Road, Forkhill, on Wednesday, 31 May. Police and the Health and Safety Executive have launched an investigation.