Statement from Taoiseach Simon Harris on Road Safety

“I want to express my deep sorrow at the loss of the five people who were killed on Irish roads in recent days. I send my condolences to their families, their friends and their communities. These are devastating losses.

“113 people have now lost their lives on Irish roads this year – an increase of 16 in comparison to the same period last year.

“As a country, we had made significant progress in reducing the number of people losing their lives on Irish roads in recent years. That progress is at risk. These are not statistics, they are lost lives and shattered families.

“We are now at a critical juncture. We must take steps – as individuals, as communities, as a country – to reverse the trend and prevent more lives being lost.

“Government will play its part and will take the necessary steps, but we need the help of every driver across the country.

“As we approach the August Bank Holiday weekend, I am urging everyone to slow down, put the phone away and never ever take a drink or drugs before getting into a car.

“Lives can be saved by taking these simple but important steps to help keep each other safe.”