Concern voiced at number of fatalities as 19 die on Cork roads in 2025

Concern has been voiced about the number of road deaths recorded in Ireland in 2025.

There were a total of 19 road fatalities in Cork city and county during 2025.

Gardai recorded 179 fatal collisions across the year, resulting in 190 fatalities on Irish public roads and in public places, which include car parks and non-public roads.

A report by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) Ireland found that 185 people lost their lives in 174 fatal collisions on public roads during 2025, an 8% increase from 171 deaths in 157 fatal collisions in 2024.

Most of those killed (76) were drivers, 41 were pedestrians, 30 were motorcyclists, 21 were passengers, 14 were pedal cyclists and three were e-scooter users.

The RSA report highlighted a rise in deaths among drivers, as well as among vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, pedal cyclists and motorcyclists.

The number of cyclists killed in 2025 was the highest since 2017, while the number of motorcyclist fatalities was the highest recorded since 2007.

In contrast, fatalities among passengers decreased compared to 2024.

Overall, around three-quarters of those killed were male, with one-quarter female.

February and June saw the fewest number of fatalities (11 in each month), while November and December saw the highest number of fatalities, with 21 fatalities and 24 fatalities respectively.

The average number of deaths per month in 2025 was 15, compared with 14 per month in 2024.

Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety, Sean Canney described an “incredibly difficult year on Irish roads”.

“Too many families have faced heartbreak,” he said.

“Too many communities have been left grieving. It is a stark reminder that road safety is not just a policy area or a set of statistics – this is about people’s lives, about loved ones, about futures changed in an instant.

“My absolute priority as Minister for Road Safety is to make Irish roads safer for everyone, and I will continue to work closely with all road safety stakeholders in the New Year to achieve this.” 

Sam Waide, chief executive of the RSA, voiced deep concern at the figures.

“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the tragic loss of life on Ireland’s roads in 2025."

“We are deeply concerned by the increase in fatalities, particularly among our most vulnerable road users – cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.

“With sustained political commitment, a whole-of-government response and adequate resourcing and funding, I firmly believe we can reverse this tragic increase in road deaths.” Assistant Commissioner Catharina Gunne, An Garda Siochana, roads policing and community engagement, added: “2025 has been a devastating year for the families of the 190 persons who died on our roads.

“Each of these deaths has had a profound impact on their loved ones, families, friends, colleagues and communities.

“An Garda Siochana remains committed to improving road safety and minimising the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads, and will continue to do so in 2026, targeting those drivers with the most risky and dangerous driving behaviours.

“We once again need to adjust attitudes to driver behaviour and make driving while under the influence of any intoxicant, inappropriate speed and driving while distracted unacceptable behaviours," he said.