Counties Affected
Updated 21 August 2026: this report was regenerated with corrected figures. An earlier version overstated the year-on-year change by comparing against our own incomplete record of the previous year rather than official Road Safety Authority statistics, and included some double-counted incidents. See our methodology.
Overview
Two people lost their lives on Irish roads in the final days of March and the opening of April 2026, with fatal collisions recorded in Dublin and Waterford. Each death represents an irreplaceable loss, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected.
Incidents
Dublin – 1 April 2026
A 27-year-old Brazilian cyclist, Johnny Santos Xavier De Abreu, died following a collision involving a truck at the junction of O’Connell Street and Middle Abbey St in Dublin city centre. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of cyclists on busy urban roads, particularly at junctions. Johnny’s death has been felt deeply by those who knew him, and we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and community.
Waterford – 1 April 2026
A fatal collision occurred on the Tramore Road at Pickardstown in County Waterford. Gardaí were working to formally identify the deceased at the time of reporting. We extend our condolences to all those affected, and our thoughts are with the emergency services personnel who attended the scene.
Year-to-Date Context
Based on our own tally compiled from news reports, 37 people have died on Irish roads so far in 2026. At the same point last year, the Road Safety Authority recorded 51 deaths — suggesting a reduction of roughly 27–28% compared to the same period in 2025.
This is an encouraging direction, and it is worth acknowledging. However, it is important to treat these figures with care: our running count is compiled from media reports and tends to run slightly ahead of the official RSA tally, while last year’s figure is the confirmed official count. Comparisons between the two should be read as broadly indicative rather than precise. Every figure in these statistics represents a person, and 37 deaths in fewer than four months of the year is a reminder that far too many families are still facing unimaginable grief.
Safety Focus: Cyclists and Vulnerable Road Users
The death of a cyclist in Dublin city centre brings the safety of vulnerable road users into sharp focus. Cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists consistently account for a disproportionate share of road fatalities in Ireland, and junctions — particularly in urban areas — are among the most dangerous locations for those travelling on two wheels.
The Road Safety Authority has consistently highlighted a number of practical measures that can reduce risk for all road users:
- Drivers should check mirrors carefully for cyclists before turning, particularly at junctions, and allow extra space when overtaking.
- Cyclists are encouraged to wear high-visibility clothing, use front and rear lights at all times, and exercise extra caution at busy intersections.
- Truck and HGV operators should ensure drivers are trained in urban cycling awareness, and that vehicles are fitted with appropriate safety technology such as side sensors and mirrors.
If you are travelling on rural roads — such as the Tramore Road in Waterford — reduced speed and heightened alertness, particularly at night or in poor conditions, can be life-saving.
Looking Ahead
While the broad trend so far in 2026 is moving in the right direction, there is no room for complacency. The Easter period and the arrival of brighter, longer evenings traditionally bring more people onto the roads — drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians alike. Increased activity brings increased risk, and extra care from every road user is essential.
We ask everyone travelling on Irish roads in the weeks ahead to slow down, stay alert, and look out for one another. No journey is worth a life.
If you have been affected by a road death, Anam Cara provides support to bereaved parents at anamcara.ie, and the Irish Road Victims Association can be reached at irva.ie.
Fatality figures for 2026 represent roaddeaths.ie’s own count compiled from published news reports and may differ slightly from official RSA statistics. Year-on-year comparisons should be treated as approximate.
Report card description: Two fatal collisions in Dublin and Waterford claimed two lives between 29 March and 1 April 2026, bringing the year’s provisional total to 37 — approximately 27% below the same point in 2025, though every loss remains one too many.