Ten people killed on Meath roads this year

The communities of Wilkinstown and Gibbstown were plunged into grief last week by the death of popular local woman, Lorraine Finegan in an accident at Gibbstown last Monday.

Lorraine's death is the second major tragedy suffered by her family. Her father and brother, Michael and Derek McKenna died in a car accident 30 years ago.

There was an outpouring of grief at Lorraine’s death with local GAA club Wolfe Tones expressing “sincere and heartfelt condolences to the McKenna and Finegan families/”

“Lorraine’s close and extended families have many links and associations with our club and wider community. It is such a terrible shock for the family and community and again we offer all our sympathies.”

Last week's tragic accident brings to 10 the number killed on Meath road to date this year, double the number of road fatalities in the county in 2020.

The mother-of-two was killed in a collision between her car and a lorry at 4.40pm last Monday on the Bush Road, Gibbstown. The driver of the lorry was uninjured.

The high loss of life on Meath roads this year is "absolutely tragic", according to Meath Co Council's Road Safety Officer, Michael Finnegan.

“There have been ten deaths in nine accidents. Seven of those who were killed were drivers and one was a motorcyclist.”

He explained that another death last September which occurred in a collision in the grounds of Bellinter House was not included in the statistics, as it did not take place on a public road.

“The main cause of fatal accidents is speeding,” said Mr Finnegan.

“Mobile phone use while driving is another major cause as well as alcohol and drug use.

“There has been a significant increase in the number of drug driving cases detected by gardai.

“Driver fatigue is another major factor,” he said,

Mr Finnegan said it was significant that of the ten deaths this year, only one of those, a passenger in a car, was under 30.

“There is a belief out there that it is young people that are getting into accidents and losing their lives, but that is not the case.

“Meath County Council and the gardai receive continual complaints about speeding traffic and also the use of mobile phones while driving.

“We have received a complaint of a lorry driver, driving while texting. We receive complaints of people driving through red lights and pedestrian crossings, as well as driving through stop signs.

“Everybody using the road, especially drivers must take responsibility for their own behaviour to ensure the safety and themselves and other road users.”

Timeline of fatal accidents in Meath to date this year:

Saturday 17th April - A motorcyclist lost his life in a collision on the N51 Athboy/ Delvin Road.

Monday 24th May - A man in his 30s died in a two car collision at Clowanstown, Dunshaughlin.

Wednesday 9th June - A woman in her 30s was killed in an accident involving two cars at Knockmark, Drumree.

Sunday 25th July – A man in his 60s died in a single vehicle collision at Mandistown, Drumconrath.

Thursday 5th August – A 17 year old girl lost her life in an accident at Pelletstown, Drumree.

Thursday 19th August – Two men died in a three car collision at Keenogue, Duleek.

Friday 17th September – A man died in a single car collision on the M3 at Dunshaughlin

Tuesday 19th October – A man lost his life when his car collided with a parked lorry at Curraghstown, Carnaross.

Monday 8th November – A woman died in a collision between a car and a lorry at Gibbstown.