Reps back Caoimhe's Law call

SDLP Antrim Councillor Roisin Lynch has welcomed unanimous backing from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for a motion she brought forward in support of Caoimhé's Law.

The motion was seconded by Alderman Paul Michael.

The council vote follows the passing of a similar SDLP motion in the Northern Ireland Assembly last week, calling for progress on the proposed legislation.

Caoimhé's Law would make it a criminal offence to film or distribute images or footage from the scene of road traffic collisions without lawful authority or consent.

SDLP Councillor Roisin Lynch said: “I'm pleased that councillors from across Antrim and Newtownabbey have supported this motion unanimously.

“Behind this campaign are families who have experienced unimaginable loss, and who have had that grief compounded by a lack of protection and accountability.

“With an SDLP motion also having passed in the Assembly last week, the message is clear.

“There is political support for change, and it is now up to Ministers to follow through by developing and delivering this legislation, in consultation with those families and campaigners who have led the way, within the current mandate.

“The SDLP will continue to push for Caoimhé's Law to be delivered. We owe it to the affected families to make sure this does not stall, and that their efforts result in real, lasting change that protects others in the future.”

The Motion read: “Caoimhé’s Law is a proposed piece of legislation aimed at addressing gaps in road safety measures, particularly those that endanger the lives of vulnerable individuals, such as children and pedestrians.

“The law is named in memory of Caoimhé O Brien, whose tragic death has galvanised families and campaigners across Northern Ireland to push for stronger road safety measures.

“By supporting this motion, we take a stand for justice and safety, and demonstrate our commitment to protecting the lives of those who are most at risk on our roads.

“This motion calls on this Council to: Publicly support Caoimhé’s Law;

“Write to the Minister for Justice, and to MLAs, urging them to prioritise this legislation;

“Call on the Minister for Infrastructure to begin drafting the law in consultation with families and campaigners;

“That steps be considered through existing budgets and resources to educate the public;

“Provide the opportunity for campaign representatives to present to the relevant committee;

“And ask that other councils across Northern Ireland join us in enforcing and promoting this campaign.”

During the meeting, Councillor Lynch said that road traffic collision victims and their families deserved ‘compassion and respect’, not for strangers to treat ‘tragedy as content’.

Alderman Michael said that there wasn’t anyone in the chamber who couldn’t relate to the situation and said that it was important to protect the vulnerable.

Alliance Councillor Billy Webb said he would back the Motion, with the removal it Item 6, saying that the council had an ‘unwritten rule’ that other councils in Northern Ireland were not asked to get involved with Antrim and Newtownabbey business.

Both Councillor Lynch and Alderman Michael agreed.

This was seconded by UUP Councillor Robert Foster.