Frances Black (Independent)

On behalf of the Civil Engagement Group, I send our condolences to the families of the five young people, all in their 20s, who lost their lives in the serious road traffic collision that took place outside Ardee, County Louth, on Saturday evening. They were all friends and had their lives ahead of them. For that to be taken away is absolutely devastating. I know this has completely shocked all of Ireland, particularly the communities across the north east. I send strength and support to their loved ones and extended communities. I would like to read out their names and ages because it is really important to have them recorded here today. We had poor Chloe McGee, who was 23, and Shay Duffy, who was 21, both from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. We had Alan McCluskey, 23, from Drumconrath, County Meath; Dylan Commins, 23, from Ardee, County Louth; and Chloe Hipson from Lanarkshire, Scotland, who was living in Carrickmacross.It is such a tragedy to the families, and to all of their communities and all who are mourning, to lose those five young lives. It is the worst type of traffic collision that could possibly happen.

I also want to mention the rescue services that responded to the accident. Among them, obviously, were An Garda Síochána and the emergency services, including Dundalk Fire Brigade, the HSE paramedics and hospital staff. I am aware that it must have been extremely difficult to attend the scene and I commend all of our first responders and other services for dealing with this in the best way that they could under extremely difficult circumstances.

I have been informed by county councillors from the area that a book of condolence was opened this morning at the civil offices in Ardee where members of the public can pay their respects. We should probably have one here in Leinster House as well today.

This tragedy, with the loss of five young adults, will have a deep impact on families and local communities in Carrickmacross, Drumconrath and Scotland. I know I am not alone in saying that our deepest sympathies are with those families and communities and they will all be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming months while they come to terms with this horrific, heartbreaking loss.