Taoiseach Micheál Martin is “deeply concerned” after Ireland marked the blackest period for road deaths in 12 years, with 190 fatalities during 2025. Mr Martin pledged a “renewed” focus on road safety in 2026 as gardaí pleaded for a safer new year on the roads. This year there were 24 road deaths in December alone – an average of almost one fatality a day. Almost half the road deaths over the past 18 months have involved vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, bikers and e-scooter riders. A male pedestrian in his 40s died following a road traffic accident near Kildare town last night, bringing the total number of fatalities this year to 190.

Source: Irish Independent January 01, 2026 02:31 UTC