Community in shock as five teens injured, one critically, in Mayo crash 

The vehicle’s occupants, five teenage boys, were taken from the scene by ambulance to Mayo University Hospital. 

One of them is currently understood to be in critical condition.

The road where the crash occurred is currently closed to traffic, and local diversions have been put in place. 

A spokesperson said Garda Forensic Collision Investigators will carry out an examination of the scene later on Monday.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor John Caulfield said that the community was shocked to wake up this morning to the news of the serious crash.

He said: “I understand that one of the teenagers is critically ill. We hope and pray that he will be okay. My thoughts are with all the families.”

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this collision has been asked to come forward.

Road users with camera footage who were travelling in the area at the time have been asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with any information should contact Ballina Garda Station at 096 20560, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Government criticised for leaving two RSA board positions unfilled

Meanwhile, the Government has been criticised for leaving two positions on the board of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) unfilled despite an increase in fatalities and serious accidents.

Labour TD Duncan Smith called on the positions, which have been vacant since January, to be immediately filled “given the alarming increase in road deaths”.

However, Jack Chambers said that the board appointments will not be made ahead of an independent review of the RSA which will look at the organisational structures, funding model, service provision and strategic goals for the coming years.

“Pending the outcome of this review, it is prudent to defer any board appointments to ensure that any appointees to the board reflect the review’s recommendations in terms of the RSA’s oversight and governance structures and skills mix on the board itself.”

In response to a parliamentary question, tabled by Mr Smith, he said: “Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Board of the Road Safety Authority shall consist of a chairperson and between six and eleven ordinary members.

“The quorum of the Board is set at five members, and the current composition of the board fulfils all legislative requirements. There are, therefore, no vacancies on the Board, though its membership is currently two fewer than at the end of 2023,” Mr Chambers said.