Cyclist dies after collision with car in Westmeath

A cyclist in his 40s has died after being struck by a car near Mullingar in Co Westmeath early this morning.

The accident happened just after midnight on the Delvin Road and brings the death toll on Ireland's roads so far this year to 217.

Twelve of the victims have lost their lives in the past 48 hours.

Opposition politicians are demanding that the Government take urgent action to improve its road safety strategy.