Six killed on roads so far during bank holiday weekend
Ballyneety, Co Limerick. Picture: Google maps
A man in his early 20s has died following a single vehicle road collision in Limerick during the early hours of this morning.
Gardaí are currently at the scene of the fatal collision that occurred at around 12.30am this morning, on the R512 at Carrigmartin, Ballyneety, Co Limerick.
The sole occupant of the only vehicle involved was pronounced dead at the scene. The body has been removed to University Hospital Limerick where a post-mortem will be conducted at a later date.
The road is currently closed and Forensic Collision Investigators are conducting a technical examination of the scene. Local diversions are in place.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage and were travelling on the R512 at Carrigmartin between midnight and 12.30am are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Roxboro Road Garda Station on 061 214340, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
The Government is working on a new road safety strategy in a bid to prevent fatalities and serious injury following a black weekend on the country's roads.
Expressing her condolences to the friends and families of those who died in recent days, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton urged people to slow down as they return from bank-holiday breaks.
"This is really serious in relation to the number of road deaths. I know the messages are sometimes for people very simple and very basic. But we all need these reminders to slow down, wear your seatbelt, pull in if you are feeling tired.
"There's going to be a lot of people today, returning home after a short bank holiday weekend and what we want to do is for everyone to look out particularly for vulnerable road users to make sure that we're being vigilant, set off with enough time so that you're not rushing and just please please take extra care over this bank holiday weekend.
"What we want to ensure is that everyone can get home safely," she told
She said measures to bring down road fatalities and injuries are currently under review. She said: "I'm working with an Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority and all other lead agencies on a new Government road safety strategy.
"So, and we had a high-level meeting recently in relation to this and I know that we will have ongoing review in relation to what needs to happen in relation to getting the message out there to people and to minimise not only road deaths but serious injuries on our roads.
The incident in Limerick has raised this Bank Holiday weekend's road death toll to six, with the RSA renewing its appeal for road users to take extra care.
A spokesperson for the RSA said roads will be busy this Bank Holiday Monday with many returning after a short break.
"Drivers should expect to encounter walkers, cyclists, and motorcyclists. The RSA is therefore urging drivers to slow down, look out for vulnerable road users and don’t forget to take breaks on your journey to avoid falling asleep at the wheel."
So far this year, 77 people have been killed on Irish roads. An increase of 26 deaths has occurred on the roads compared to this time last year.
The Chairperson of the RSA has said it has been "an appalling weekend" for road fatalities.
Liz O'Donnell says that since "nightlife economy" is returning with more and more people going out at weekends, nearly half of road fatalities this year have occurred at the weekend.
"We all have to slow down, even if you reduce your speed by 10km/h, you will make a difference," Ms O'Donnell told .
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