Four die on roads over St Patrick's weekend

Four people were killed in road accidents in the Republic over the St Patrick's Day bank holiday weekend, less than half the number killed on the roads during last year's celebrations.

The weekend fatalities bring to 59 the number of people killed on Irish roads so far this year, compared with 90 for the same period in 2002. During the St Patrick's weekend last year 10 people lost their lives on the State's roads.

The latest fall in road fatality figures is another boost for the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan.

Road fatalities continue to fall since the introduction of the penalty points system despite lingering controversy over the processing of fines and licence endorsements under the scheme.

Some gardaí had warned the system was so poorly resourced it was nearing collapse. However, Mr Brennan has insisted the new system is working.

Last week he said he had been assured by the Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, and the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, that there would be "no let-up" in enforcement of penalty points.

The National Safety Council welcomed the fall in deaths compared with last year. However, its chief executive, Mr Pat Costello, said he was still "very concerned" that four people had died on the roads over the weekend. "It's really a matter of everyone being constantly vigilant if we are going to ensure that the falling figures for road deaths are maintained."

There were two fatalities on Saturday morning, one in Cork and one in Tipperary.

A pedestrian, Mr Timothy O'Donnell (64), was fatally injured when he was struck by a car near his home at Haywood Close, Clonmel.

A motorcyclist was killed in Cork at 11.30 a.m. Mr Michael Mackey (19), a construction worker from Grenagh, Co Cork, died when his motorcycle was in collision with a car at Tower, near Blarney.

At 11.30 p.m. on Saturday, a woman died in a two-car collision near Mallow, Co Cork. Ms Margaret O'Donoghue (91), from Killavullen, Co Cork, was a front-seat passenger in one of the vehicles.

At 4.30 p.m. on Monday, a motorcyclist was killed when his motorbike left the road and hit a wall at Kilcooley, Co Tipperary. He was Mr P.J. Kelly (32), from Thurles. Mr Kelly was the eleventh motorcyclist killed this year.

Meanwhile, gardaí in Monaghan were last night investigating a fatal collision which occurred just after 8 a.m. yesterday on the Monaghan/Roslea road at Kincorragh, Smithboro.

An articulated truck left the road and struck a tree. There was no other vehicle involved. The driver of the truck, a man in his 40s, died at the scene. Gardaí had not named him last night.

Also last night, one person was in a serious condition in hospital and six others were receiving medical attention following a two-vehicle accident in Waterford.

The collision, involving a car and a mini-bus carrying people with disabilities, occurred just after 4 p.m. on an industrial estate in the city.

The woman driver of the car was transferred to Cork University Hospital after an initial examination at Waterford Regional Hospital. Her condition was described last night as serious.

When the collision occurred, 14 people with physical and intellectual disabilities were being brought home after spending time at a supervised workshop. They were said to be in shock and unable to provide statements about the accident. Gardaí have appealed for witnesses.