Statistics from the Road Safety Authority show that there was a 13% increase in road deaths last year.
In 2022, 155 people died in 149 road accidents, up from 137 deaths in 124 accidents the year before, according to provisional figures from the RSA.
The figures show that 41 pedestrians died on Irish roads last year, which is almost twice as many as the number who died in 2021 when 21 pedestrians died.
Drivers accounted for the highest proportion of deaths at 39%, with 60 killed last year, down ten from the previous year.
From 18 in 2021 to 22 last year, the number of passenger fatalities increased by 22%.
The number of cyclists killed last year was seven, the same as in 2021.
The data also reveals that over 1,290 serious injuries were reported up until December 29, a slight decrease from over 1,340 up until the same time in 2021.
With 13 each, Cork and Dublin had the highest number of fatalities, while Limerick had ten.
Where it was possible to establish the use of a seatbelt or not among drivers and passengers killed, a total of 19% were found not to have been wearing a seatbelt.
The statistics were released after being examined from garda’s provisional fatal collision reports.
Reacting to the figures, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers said: “I am very concerned that so many lives have been lost on the roads in 2022.
“The high number of pedestrian deaths, who are the most vulnerable of road users in our community, is also worrying. Working together, we can reverse this trend in 2023.”
Chairperson for the RSA Liz O’Donnell said: “The end of year road fatality figures for 2022 should serve as a reminder to us all of our shared responsibility to always be safety aware on our roads, and to pay special attention to motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
“We simply must get back on track and reverse the increase in deaths.
“It means that all of us must accept greater responsibility when using the road and become custodians and champions for safety on the road. It also means progressing the 50 high impact and 136 supporting actions in the Road Safety Strategy.”
She added: “By doing this we can save lives and prevent injuries and put us on track to cut road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030.”