As part of Seachtain na Gaeilge 2024, this article is also available As Gaeilge here.

The Taoiseach has said he is very worried about the “extraordinary loss of life” happening on the roads this year. 

As of today, 42 people have died in 2024.

That’s an increase of 3 on the same time last year.

The Taoiseach, who was speaking to Newstalk on his St Patrick’s Day trip to Washington DC, said the statistics are extremely worrying.

“Beyond people losing their lives on the road, there are a lot of people who are experiencing life-changing injuries which we don't hear about so much, and that's extremely serious too,” he said.

Actions

One-in-ten people have gotten behind the wheel after drinking alcohol in the past 12 months according to new behaviour and attitudes research by the Road Safety Authority and the Taoiseach said enforcement is “absolutely crucial.”

“People are less likely to obey laws if they don't think they're going to be enforced, so that's really important,” he said.

He also emphasised educational campaigns, engineering [of the roads], the NCT and the driving test as ways to reduce the figures.

“We're stepping it up and we need to step up some more,” he said.

Gardaí at the scene of a crash that killed three people in County Carlow, 01-02-2024. Image: asko Lazarov/RollingNews

Meanwhile, the regular bank holiday road safety appeal began yesterday.

The Road Safety Authority and Gardaí have urged people who are going out to leave their car keys at home.

In the appeal, the RSA repeats its “never, ever drink and drive,” message.

The RSA released new research to coincide with the appeal – showing that one-in-four people believe driving short distances after drinking alcohol is acceptable.

One-in-ten reported having driven after drinking in the past 12 months.

Almost a quarter (23%) admitted there were times they may have been over the limit when driving the morning after a night out.

St Patrick’s Weekend

Garda Assistant Commissioner for Roads Policing, Paula Hilman, said an “extensive” operation will be underway across the bank holiday weekend.

The Assistant Commissioner urged people to slow down, always wear a seatbelt and “do not allow yourself” to be distracted by a mobile phone.

The senior Garda said there are “consequences” to poor driver behaviour, some more lasting than others.

“You could lose your licence and face a significant financial penalty, but far worse is the possibility of seriously injuring or killing someone else on the road."

With reporting from Shane Beatty in Washington.