Road deaths fall by 4% in 2024 compared to previous year

This represents a decrease of seven deaths, or a 4% drop, in road fatalities compared to 2023.

The data reveals a number of trends, including:

• A high proportion of male fatalities;
• A continuation of 2023’s increased level of young fatalities (aged 25 years or less) 
• A high number of fatalities in the evening between 4pm and 8pm;
• Seven in 10 fatal road collisions occurred on roads with a speed limit of 80km/h or greater.

Under the latest Road Safety Strategy from the Government, Ireland must reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the country's roads by 50% before 2030 — meaning the number of deaths on Irish roads will need to be 72 or lower. The number of serious injuries must be brought down to 630 or lower.

Dublin (23), Cork (19), Mayo (19), and Donegal (17) were the counties with the highest number of deaths, accounting for just under half of the total fatalities.

Every death a 'tragedy'

Speaking after the publication of the figures on Wednesday, minister of state with responsibility for road safety James Lawless said that every one of the deaths on the roads was a "tragedy."

He added: “The work of my department is focused on making our roads safer for everyone who uses them.

It is incumbent on all of us to play our part in achieving our goal of halving deaths and serious injuries by 2030

Meanwhile, the chief executive of the RSA, Sam Waide, said that while there was a "profound loss", the reduction in deaths is a "modest but important step".

"This progress underscores the urgency to intensify our efforts," he said.

"To truly turn the tide, as part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, we must harness more technology, deliver impactful awareness campaigns, and continue road safety education to create a safer future for all road users in Ireland.” 

Gardaí conducted more than 100,000 checkpoints on Irish roads last year, half of which were mandatory intoxicant testing.