Ten people lost their lives on Donegal roads in 2023

TEN people lost their lives on roads in Donegal in 2023, the highest figure in three years.

Road deaths in Donegal are up 22 per cent on 2022’s figures when eight people were killed on the county’s roads and up from seven in 2021.

Provisional road traffic collision figures published by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) show that nationally the number of road deaths in 2023 increased by 19 per cent compared to 2022.

A total of 184 people died in 173 fatal collisions in 2023 compared to 155 deaths in 149 collisions in 2022.

The figures reveal a high proportion of male fatalities, a continuation of 2022’s increased level of pedestrian fatalities and a high number of fatalities taking place at night when there is less traffic on the roads.

Tipperary (16), Dublin (15), Cork (15), Galway (13), Mayo (12) were the counties that recorded the highest number of deaths, accounting for 39% of the total fatalities.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers, said: “2023 has been a heart-breaking and devastating year on Irish roads for so many families and communities all over Ireland. Our thoughts are with all those impacted as we head into a new year. We were able to progress a number of important reforms in 2023 which are specifically targeted at the lifesaver offences which we know are the main contributors to fatal road collisions. The Road Traffic Bill received cabinet approval in December and we will be working to have this essential piece of legislation progressed through the Dáil in early 2024. Work is well underway on a number of other initiatives in partnership with other Government departments and agencies to be delivered throughout this year. I would also like to pay tribute and special thanks to our emergency services and first responders who do incredible lifesaving work in the most challenging circumstances.”

Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson, RSA said: “It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the tragic loss of life on Ireland’s roads in 2023. We have had a difficult year in road safety. People are carrying huge grief with them; a grief that doesn’t go away and a void that cannot be filled in their lives. Any one life lost is one too many.

“We must do more, and I welcome the proposed introduction of a National Strategy on Camera Based Enforcement which, I understand, will be prioritised in 2024. A National Strategy will ensure a consistent approach to the selection and use of the different forms of camera technologies as well as supporting the development of a roadmap for the rollout of camera-based enforcement and ensuring that enablers such as funding and other critical resources are identified.”

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