Road Toll Rises As Boy Dies

Ireland's tragic road death toll rose again today with news that a 10-year-old boy has died after he was struck by a car in Co Limerick this morning.

The accident happened at around 8am in Dereen, about two miles outside Athea.

The boy, who was pronounced dead at the scene, is understood to have been crossing the road at the time.

The road between Glin and Athea, just north of Abbeyfeale, was blocked as a result of the incident and motorists were initially advised to take an alternative route.

Meanwhile, drink drivers have been targeted in a hard-hitting campaign - launched today - by road safety and taxi chiefs.

Over the next eight-weeks advertisements will hit the airwaves warning friends socialising over the summer months to get home safely in taxis, hackneys and limousines.

Noel Brett, of the Road Safety Authority, said the campaign reminds people to plan ahead when going out for a drink over the holiday period.

"The key message is enjoy yourselves when socialising but not to mix drinking and driving," he said.

"Leave the keys at home and arrange alternative transport such as a taxi or hackney, and don't forget that time is the only way to get alcohol out of your system. Don't assume you are safe to drive the morning after a night out."

Commissioner for Taxi Regulation, Kathleen Doyle, said people should never drink and drive.

"Everybody likes to get out and enjoy themselves during an Irish summer," she said.

"This campaign is aimed at reminding people that Ireland's licensed taxis, hackneys and limousines provide a first class, flexible, door-to-door service, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day."

The campaign will run again at Christmas to boost anti drink drive initiatives.

A major Gardaí alert for illegal hauliers is also in progress.

The police are mounting a campaign - starting today - to crack down on unlicensed hauliers operating on Irish roads.

Checkpoints are being established at ports and border crossings around the country in a bid to stop truckers entering the country without documentation.

The Gardaí say five similar operations will be mounted before the end of the year.

It is believed that hauliers transporting waste illegally will also be targeted from next week onwards.

(BMcC)