The Junior Transport Minister says the deaths of two teenagers in a road crash in Co. Galway yesterday is a 'devastating tragedy'.
The victims have been named as 14-year-old Lucas Joyce and his friend Kirsty Bohan who was also 14.
They died when the car they were travelling in hit a tree on the L6127 at Glennagarraun in the Ballyfruit area of Headford just before 6 o'clock yesterday morning.
Two other teenagers, aged 13 and 14, who were in the car are in hospital with serious injuries.
All four were students of the Presentation College in Headford, where specialist counselling services will be made available to students and staff this morning.
Junior Minister Jack Chambers, says the tragedy has shocked the country.
"I just want to express my sympathies to the families and friends, and to everyone in the Headford community for the tragic loss of Kirsty and Lucas, two young people with their lives in front of them.
"I think it's an absolutely devastating tragedy that I know has shocked the nation and my sympathies to everyone involved".
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was travelling on the L6127 at Glennagarraun, Ballyfruit in Headford between 5:30am and 6am and may have video footage to contact them.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Tuam Garda Station on 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
