Counties Affected
Overview
The period from April 13-16, 2026 saw one tragic fatality on Irish roads, bringing the total number of road deaths this year to 32. This represents a deeply concerning 190.9% increase compared to the same point in 2025, when 11 people had lost their lives on our roads.
Incident Report
On April 15th, 27-year-old Brazilian cyclist Johnny Santos Xavier De Abreu tragically lost his life in a collision with a truck at the busy junction of O’Connell Street and Middle Abbey St in Dublin city centre. Our thoughts are with Johnny’s family, friends, and the Brazilian community in Ireland during this difficult time.
This incident highlights the particular vulnerability of cyclists in urban environments, especially at major intersections where multiple traffic streams converge.
Road Safety Context
The dramatic increase in road fatalities this year - nearly three times the number recorded at this point in 2025 - demands immediate attention from all road users. Every statistic represents a life cut short and families forever changed.
Dublin continues to see significant traffic volumes as economic activity remains high, making cyclist and pedestrian safety in the capital a critical priority. The RSA’s ongoing “Share the Road” campaign emphasises the importance of mutual respect and awareness between all road users, particularly highlighting the need for drivers to be extra vigilant around vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.
Looking Forward
As we progress through 2026, every road user has a role to play in reversing this tragic trend. Whether you’re driving, cycling, or walking, take that extra moment to check your surroundings, reduce your speed in busy areas, and remember that we all share the same goal of reaching our destinations safely.
The loss of Johnny Santos Xavier De Abreu serves as a stark reminder that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Report card description: One cyclist fatally injured in Dublin city centre collision, contributing to a concerning 190.9% increase in road deaths compared to 2025.