30% rise in Cork road deaths in 2024

While the national figure for road deaths fell in 2024, when compared to the 2023 statistic, there was a 30% increase in the tally for fatalities as a result of traffic collisions in Cork during the year — rising from 15 in 2023 to 19 in the past 12 months.

The provisional figures were disclosed in an end of year report issued by the Road Safety Authority of Ireland (RSA).

In the report, it was confirmed that there had been 174 fatalities State-wide during 2024 — a decrease of seven on the figure for 2023.

The figures were released by the RSA following an analysis of provisional fatal collision reports from An Garda Síochána.

These are the highest figures for road fatalities in Cork since 2020, when 24 road deaths were recorded across the city and county.

The 2024 figure for Cork was only exceeded by the number of road deaths in Dublin during the year, where 23 fatalities were recorded.

Mayo also recorded 19 fatalities during 2024, followed by Donegal on 17.

The RSA figures revealed a high proportion of male fatalities and a high level of fatalities as a result of incidents which took place in the hours of evening, between 4pm and 8pm.

There was also a continuation through to 2024 of the high level of fatalities among young people, those aged 25 or younger, from the previous year.

The Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety, James Lawless, said every single one of the deaths which happened on our roads was a tragedy.

“We extend deepest sympathies to the friends, families, and communities affected by these losses,” he said, also adding his tribute to the emergency services, first responders, hospital workers, and others who do such incredible work.

“In February, 2025, the default speed limit on rural local roads will be reduced, following the recommendation of the 2023 Speed Limit Review.”

By-laws implementing the speed limit reduction from 80kmph to 60kmph on more than 30 local roads, those with the L-designation — were passed at a December meeting of Cork County Council.

The new limits take effect on February 7.

“This will tackle one of the biggest contributory factors to road collisions — speed,” said Minister Lawless.

“This year, we will also be moving into Phase 2 of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, and it is incumbent on all of us to play our part in achieving our goal of halving deaths and serious injuries by 2030.”

The chief executive of the Road Safety Authority of Ireland, Sam Waide, extended condolences to the relatives of all those who had lost their lives on Irish roads during 2024.

“Despite this profound loss, the reduction in the number of fatalities on Irish roads this year is a very modest, but an important step in reversing the high number of road deaths we’ve seen over the past two years,” he said.

“This progress underscores the urgency to intensify our efforts.”

Assistant Garda Commissioner with responsibility for roads policing and community engagement, Paula Hilman, said the slight reduction in the number of road deaths would provide “no solace to the families and loved ones of each one of the people that were killed in fatal road traffic collisions during 2024”.

Assistant Commissioner Hilman disclosed that gardaí had carried out more than 100,000 road checkpoints during the year, half of which were for drivers under the influence of intoxicants such as drugs or alcohol.

“We continue the roll-out of safety speed cameras in high-risk locations and are already seeing positive indications that drivers are slowing down in these areas,” she said, adding that the force was also increasing its use of technology “to support data-driven roadside policing including mobility devices and automated number plate recognition systems in Garda vehicles”.