Gardaí make St. Patrick's Day appeal to road users

Gardaí are making a special appeal to vulnerable road users ahead of St. Patrick's Day.

Forty-nine people have been killed on Irish roads so far this year.

The figure is an increase on the death toll in the same period last year, when there were 41 deaths.

A special appeal is being made to motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists.

CEO of the Road Safety Authority Noel Brett said it is not only motorists that have to take responsibility: "Unfortunately this year, as of this morning there were six motorcyclists dead; there were no motorcyclists dead this time last year," he said.

"There has also been an increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities, unfortunately we're having pedestrian killed from walking on motorways and dual carriageways and often, not even, wearing the basics of a high-visibility vest.

"So a particular appeal to motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists and an appeal generally to all drivers to take responsibility for the way their share the road and the way they use the road."