Eighth road death in Cork this year prompts calls for road safety improvements and increased Garda presence

A SECOND road death on the N25 in a matter of days has prompted concern and calls for road safety improvements and an increased garda presence on Cork roads.

The death of a man in his 20s in a collision between a car and an articulated lorry on the N25 near Midleton early on Thursday was the second on the road in four days and brings to eight the number of fatalities on Cork roads this year.

The collision occurred at around 7.30am in the townland of Ballydekin. The N25 remained closed for much of on Thursday as Garda investigations got underway.

A number of local representatives expressed their condolences for the family of the man who lost his life in the accident and emphasised the need for more care on the roads.

It follows the death of a pedestrian, a man in his 40s, while walking at 1.30am on Sunday.

Social Democrats councillor Liam Quaide expressed sympathies to the families of the deceased and said the number of fatalities was “terribly sad and a major cause for concern”.

“There is a strong need to prioritise road safety measures and to increase garda presence on our roads for better enforcement,” he said.

East Cork Fianna Fáil councillor Ann Marie Ahern expressed her condolences to the family of the man who was killed in yesterday’s crash and paid tribute to the members of the emergency services who attended the scene.

“Unfortunately it’s another tragedy on the East Cork roads and, in particular, the N25 in less than a 10-day period,” she said.

“First of all my sympathies go out to the family members of the deceased man and, second of all, thanks and gratitude to the emergency services who are again facing another tragedy on our roads in East Cork.

“I would again say that the safety measures and the proper road surfacing and the investment in the roads in Cork county are lacking.”

Fine Gael candidate in the Ireland South European Parliament election and a resident in East CorkJohn Mullins described yesterday’s fatality as a “tragedy”.

“I would like to sympathise with the family of the man who died and with all those involved,” he said.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Any road users who were travelling on the N25 between Midleton and Castlemartyr yesterday morning between 7am and 7.45am and who may have camera footage, including dash cam, is asked to make this available to investigating gardaí. Anyone with information can contact Midleton Garda Station on 021 4621550, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

PEDESTRIAN

On Sunday, a male pedestrian in his 40s was killed on the N25 Eastbound at Water-Rock in Midleton.

Independent councillor Danielle Twomey said earlier this week that the N25 in the Midleton area needs a safety overhaul.

“It’s not the first time something like this has happened on that stretch of road and we have been calling for safety measures on that road for a very long time,” she said.

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