'It's heartbreaking': Sadness expressed at the death of pedestrian in East Cork road accident

LOCAL representatives have expressed their condolences after a pedestrian was killed in a road traffic collision in East Cork in the early hours of this morning.

The incident, in which a man in his 40s died, occurred at approximately 1.30am on the N25 Eastbound at Water Rock in Midleton.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other serious injuries were reported from the road accident.

The road was reopened early this evening after a garda examination by forensic collision investigators.

Fine Gael TD David Stanton said that his thoughts were with the family and friends of the man who had died.

“Every road death is so tragic, and it’s always very sad to see,” said Mr Stanton.

Midleton-based Social Democrats county councillor Liam Quaide described the death as a tragedy.

“The sympathies of the East Cork community are with the family and friends of the man who lost his life in the collision,” he said.

Although the circumstances surrounding the collision were not yet known, some council members based in Midleton said they had long been calling for greater safety measures along that particular part of the N25.

Fianna Fáil councillor Ann Marie Ahern said she had raised the issue repeatedly at county council roads and transport meetings.

“We need immediate funding from Transport Minister Eamon Ryan to help safeguard the lives of pedestrians and drivers along the roads in East Cork,” said Ms Ahern.

“We implore Mr Ryan to come and see just how important road safety is. These aren’t upgrades we’re asking for — these are simple safety measures.”

Independent county councillor Danielle Twomey said it was a very sad time in the area. “It’s not the first time something like this has happened on that stretch of road,” she said.

Fine Gael councillor Susan McCarthy said: “I have been battling and battling for years to get that upgrade done on that road.

“That road is so badly lit. There is no lighting standard as you are coming into Midleton, there isn’t even any lighting on the first exit into Midleton, it’s horrendous. It’s heartbreaking.”

Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses to the collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) while travelling on the N25 Eastbound between 1.15am and 1.30am are asked to make that footage available to gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Midleton Garda Station on 021 4621550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.