In a positive development for road safety in Ireland, six counties have reported no road fatalities so far in 2025. This comes as the overall number of traffic deaths has declined by 12% compared to the same period last year. The counties with no recorded road deaths are Longford, Leitrim, Clare, Tipperary, Waterford, and Louth.
The reduction in road fatalities is a significant achievement, especially considering the high number of deaths recorded in previous years. In 2023, a total of 184 people lost their lives on Irish roads, marking the highest death toll in over a decade. This was a 20% increase from the 2022 figures. However, the trend has reversed this year, with a notable decrease in fatalities.
As of now, 34 people have died on Irish roads in 2025, compared to 42 during the same period last year. The fatalities include 17 drivers, eight pedestrians, three passengers, five motorcyclists, and one cyclist. The latest fatality involved a motorcyclist in his 50s, who died following a single-vehicle crash in Taghmon, Co Wexford.
The decline in road deaths has been attributed to several factors, including increased enforcement of road safety regulations and improved public awareness campaigns. Road safety campaigners have emphasised the importance of strict enforcement and proper resourcing of the Gardaí’s Road Policing Unit (RPU). Susan Gray, founder of the road safety group Parc, highlighted the undeniable link between RPU numbers, enforcement of road safety regulations, and the safety of roads.
Despite the overall positive trend, some counties have recorded higher fatality levels. Donegal, for instance, has reported four road deaths since January 1, 2025, with 75% of these involving individuals aged 25 years or younger. Galway and Wexford have also recorded four deaths each, which is higher than the number of fatalities in Dublin, the country’s most populous county, which has seen three road deaths so far this year.
The volatility in road death trends has prompted studies to understand the underlying causes. Experts are examining the factors contributing to the fluctuations in road fatalities, including regional variations and seasonal trends. Last year, Ireland experienced a near-30% increase in road deaths during the spring, followed by a dramatic decline over the summer and autumn.
The government and road safety authorities are committed to continuing their efforts to reduce road fatalities further. Initiatives such as increased checkpoints, enhanced public awareness campaigns, and stricter penalties for traffic violations are being implemented to ensure the safety of all road users.
