Second collision on same road on which three died this week

A garda spokesperson said emergency services attended the scene on the N80 near Templepeter following the accident at 7.20pm. Picture: Dan Linehan

A two-car collision on Friday evening in Carlow occurred close to the site of Wednesday's crash in which three young people died.

A garda spokesperson said emergency services attended the scene on the N80 near Templepeter following the accident at 7.20pm but that the road remains partially open.

"No injuries have been reported at this time," they said.

It comes as Daryl Culbert (21), Michael Kelly, (25) and Katie Graham (19) died when the red Lexus they were travelling in hit a tree just after 11.30pm on Wednesday. A fourth person, a man in his early 20s, was taken to hospital.

The fatal crash occurred at Leagh on the N80 between Glynns Bus Cross and Tinryland.

Local representatives have previously expressed concerns about the safety of the road which is the main route between Portlaoise and Rosslare.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor John McDonald said concerns had been raised by local representatives as recently as this week about the road before Wednesday’s crash.

“There were two crashes there around Christmas, and a person lost his life there last September,” he said.

Fianna Fáil TD Jennifer Murnane O’Connor also highlighted concerns about the road and said action needs to be taken on improving it. She added: “We can see the urgency of it now — one life lost is too much but today’s three is an absolute tragedy for Carlow. The sadness and loss of life is horrific.” 

Carlow County Council chairwoman Andrea Dalton said there are a number of bad bends in the area and while there are markings and flashing lights in place, she said a project to address the bends is planned.