Government urged to declare road deaths a national emergency after 138 fatalities so far in 2026

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

A call was issued to the Government at September’s meeting of Sligo County Council to treat road deaths and serious injuries as a national emergency.

The issued was raised by Cllr Marie Casserly who called on the Local Authority to “write to the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister for Transport, Minister for Justice, Minister for Health and the Garda Commissioner calling for road deaths and serious injuries to be recognised as a national emergency and for the urgent establishment of a National Road Safety Task Force.”

The North Sligo councillor also called for increased Garda resources where required to strengthen road traffic enforcement and investment in proven road safety technologies, together with the adoption of international best practice to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Ireland’s roads.

Cllr Casserly stated, “There have been 138 road deaths so far this year. It should be seen as an urgent warning that the current approach is not working.”

She continued, “I believe road safety requires an all Government approach. Everyone has the right to reach their destination safely.

“I am calling on the Government to stop talking about what needs to be done and start delivering.”

The motion was supported by Cllr Thomas Walsh who commented, “We have to see an increase in Sligo/Leitrim in the roads policing unit. The Department needs to allocate more Gardaí to this division.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Cllr Ann Higgins who voiced her support saying, “We need more Gardaí. The speed van has taken up residence outside Scoil Ursula on the Strandhill Road and you can see motorists slowing down, expecting it to be there, we need more of that.”

Cllr Edel McSharry also offered her support for the motion saying, “Education is a massive component. If there is no consequence, people need a little reminding.”

Cllr Casserly added, “I ask the Government councillors to please put pressure on your colleagues. The time for cop-out and blame is well over. It needs to be taken as a national emergency.”

The motion was also supported by Cathaoirleach Cllr Dara Mulvey who said, “A week doesn’t go by without someone contacting me looking for speed ramps,” adding, “it’s personal responsibility; the time for talking is over,” he said.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.