Road fatalities down 18% ahead of Bank Holiday weekend – Ryan O'Meara

Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary North, Deputy Ryan O'Meara, has welcomed new figures showing an 18% drop in road fatalities compared to this time last year, as the country heads into the April Bank Holiday weekend.

Deputy O'Meara said the encouraging numbers come on the back of recent road safety measures introduced by Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, including reduced speed limits on many rural local roads from 80km/h to 60km/h, part of a phased strategy under the Road Traffic Act to improve safety for all road users.

“While one life lost on our roads is one to many, this is a positive step forward.

READ NEXT: PICTURES: Music and laughter at the April Rambling House in Roscrea

"Fewer lives lost and fewer collisions overall show that the changes are making a difference,” Deputy O'Meara said. “It’s clear the Government’s focus on road safety is saving lives.”

There has been a 25% drop in road fatalities in the first quarter of 2025, with overall collisions also down 16% year-on-year.

READ NEXT: Roscrea Musical Society hard at work on their 82nd production

As thousands prepare to travel this weekend, Deputy O'Meara is urging motorists to stay alert and keep road safety top of mind.

Concluding Deputy O'Meara stated, “For many families, this may be the first trip of the year to unfamiliar places using unfamiliar roads. I want to remind people that the speed limits of many roads have changed and to be extra wary of this. Please take extra care, mind your speed, and stay safe on the roads.”