Suicide Prevention at Motorway Bridges in Ireland

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) conducted a literature review study on international best practice in suicide prevention interventions at bridge structures. The study looked at structural and non-structural interventions and the successes or otherwise of same. The review was subsequently used to inform an internal guidance document on suicide prevention measures and considerations for new and existing infrastructure. Following on from the guidance document, two pilot studies were carried out in the form of suicide risk audits of two bridges which had confirmed suicide events. These were used to inform the risk of further suicides or incidents of self-harm and to inform decisions around potential interventions if needed. The work to date has also led to TII partnering with other government agencies in a suicide prevention working group which recently published a toolkit for suicide prevention in public places.