Tullamore-born bishop urges road users to drive safely

Tullamore native Bishop Fintan Monahan, Bishop of Killaloe, has joined with the Road Safety Authority, and An Garda Síochána, to call on road users to “Summer Safely” as the peak holiday season begins. Last month, the June long weekend recorded eight people dying in road collisions.

Bishop Monahan said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear this week about the number of road deaths and accidents. This loss of life is devastating for the families and loved ones of the deceased and a tragedy for our society. While the highest number of monthly fatalities in ten years was recorded in August 2021 - with an alarming total of 22 deaths – this year already has seen a 42% increase in fatalities over the same period for 2021.

“So far this year there has been a serious surge in road traffic accidents with 95 people dying on our roads, as well as 673 people being seriously injured. Regardless of how each of us use our road network - pedestrian, cyclist, scooter, motorcycle or vehicle - we each have a responsibility to stop this rise in road traffic accidents.”

Bishop Monahan continued: “We should heed the advice of the professionals, the RSA and the Gardaí, namely, not to speed, don’t hold a mobile phone, always wear a seatbelt and to expect the unexpected when using the road network.

“I encourage parishes to pray for the lives we have lost on our roads, for their families and to encourage safe driving this August long weekend.”

Bishop Monahan will offer 10am Mass for the protection of all road users from the summit of Croagh Patrick this Reek Sunday in Co Mayo,