Garda road alert as thunder and rain warning issued for Kilkenny

Gardai in Kilkenny have issued an urgent road safety appeal following the deaths of six road users in the past 24 hours.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána issued the urgent appeal to all road users to take greater care on the roads.

The alert comes as Met Éireann has issued a Yellow Weather warning for Kilkenny, with thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and possible localised flooding this weekend.

Road Safety Authority chief executive Sam Waide said: “It’s been a dark 24 hours on Irish roads which has seen an appalling loss of life.

“Our thoughts are with the families of those who have been killed. These deaths should serve to remind us that everyone is at risk when using the roads.

“I would appeal to road users to slow down, drive at the right speed for the conditions, and watch out for vulnerable road users.

“Don’t drive when impaired through drink, drugs or fatigue and always wear a seatbelt and ensure passengers are wearing theirs too, no matter how short the trip,” Mr Waide added.

Garda Assistant Commissioner of the Roads Policing and Community Engagement, Paula Hilman, added: “Not only has it been a horrific 24 hours on the roads, we are also seeing an increase in road deaths this year compared to the same period last year.

“Road tragedies affect all parts of the country. Every fatal or serious injury collision has a devastating impact on family, friends and communities.”