Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport and Communications, Martin Kenny TD, has expressed his sorrow at fatalities which have occurred on Irish roads in the first days of the New Year. 

This follows a number of serious collisions since New Year’s Day resulting in the death of a man in Kildare, a man in Cavan, a woman in Kildare and a woman in Belfast.
 
Speaking today, Teachta Kenny said:

“My thoughts and sympathies are with the families and communities who are coming to terms with the loss of their loved ones on Irish roads in the first three days of 2024. 
 
“It is my understanding that two children were also injured in one of the collisions and I am sure the nation’s thoughts are with them as they recover.
 
“In four separate collisions, one driver, one passenger, a motorcyclist and a pedestrian have lost their lives.  We cannot lose sight of the devastation their loss will have on those around them. 
 
“Last year saw almost a 20% rise in road fatalities in this state, and we must do better to improve the safety of our roads this year.  In my opinion, we are now in an epidemic of road fatalities.
 
“This must include a commitment from the government to prioritise resourcing of the Roads Policing Unit within An Garda Síochána to ensure that enforcement of road safety is being maintained.  The unit lost almost 50 members in 2023 alone, and this must be rectified immediately.
 
“It is also vital that the €150m cut from the road maintenance budget is immediately restored in order for upgrades and maintenance to be carried out, particularly on secondary roads and collision black-spots. 
 
“Improvements in road safety will unfortunately come too late for the families and communities affected by the loss of 184 people last year, but we must do better to avoid this devastation for others.”