Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Leah Farrell via Photocall Ireland
Jake's Law

Mother whose 6-year-old son died after being hit by car calls for lower speed limits in estates

The bill is due to be debated and voted on in the Dail this week

A MOTHER WHO lost her son after he was hit by a car is calling for the government to bring in lower speed limits in housing estates.

Jake Brennan died when he was hit by a car outside his home in Kilkenny last year. He was just 6 years old.

His mother Roseanne is campaigning for The Road Traffic Amendment Bill 2015 – known as Jake’s Law to be introduced.

The legislation proposes to lower speed limits to 20 kilometres per hour in residential areas.

Speaking to Sean O’Rouke on RTÉ Radio 1 last week she said that Jake died in her arms:

I’m happy he had his last moments with me but no mother ever thinks when she holds her baby for the first time that he will die in her arms.

“I’m doing this for Jake and I’m doing this for my other two kids too.”

The bill is due to be debated and voted on in the Dail this week. Roseanne is planning to camp outside the Dáil until Wednesday.

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald said, “As a mother I can’t comprehend the tragedy that has befallen the Brennan family with the loss of young Jake.

The Jake’s Legacy campaign is a credit to Jake’s parents Rosie and Chris and to the wider family and their supporters.

“To pick themselves up and campaign for a law that would help prevent another family from going through their trauma is an extremely courageous thing to do and I commend them for it.”

Your Voice
Readers Comments
83
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.