Ireland set for lowest road death toll in half a century

IRELAND could have one of its lowest road death tolls for half a century this year, if the significant reduction so far this year is maintained, a government minister said yesterday.

Minister for European Affairs Dick Roche told the Seanad that 285 road deaths have occurred this year which is a reduction of 33 on the same date last year. He also pointed out that in 2006 Ireland had the second lowest number of road deaths in 40 years.

“That is a sign that matters are improving,” he said. “Many of us would agree that matters could improve at an even greater pace. However, the figures are moving in the right direction.”