NEW research reveals that Donegal has the second highest rate of road deaths per capita in the country to date this year, with only Mayo recording a higher rate.
With 5.5 deaths recorded per 100,000 population, the county has a rate five times that of Dublin’s, where the figure is at 1.1 per 100,000 population.
In Donegal, there are 10 recorded road deaths to date in 2025.
Nationally, there are 139 recorded fatalities, which is two more than the same period last year.
Longford is the only county to not have recorded a road death so far this year.
The 139 deaths involved 56 drivers, 29 pedestrians, 28 motor cyclists, 13 pedal cyclists, 10 passengers, two e-scooter users and one pillion passenger.
The stark figures were compiled by road-safety campaign group Parc, who revealed that close to one third of fatalities involved motorcyclists and pedal cyclists.
These figures have soared to the highest level in almost two decades.
The figures which were published by the Irish Independent also revealed that one third of road deaths this year are people under the age of 30.
Parc outlined a ten point plan to enhance safety on Irish roads. This includes closing loop holes around learner permits and ensuring all disqualified drivers are tracked through unique driver numbers.
The road-safety campaign group also suggested mandatory driving license surrender on disqualification; proper enforcement of all road safety regulations and mutual recognition of disqualified drivers between Ireland and the UK.
