Gardai hunt for driver in horror hit-and-run as cyclist seriously injured

The cyclist, aged in his 20s, remained in a serious condition in the Mater Hospital last night following the incident on North Wall Quay at around 10.30pm on Monday.

Gardaí in Store Street, who are investigating, said the cyclist was hit by the car that was then driven away, leaving the victim seriously injured on the road.

A car believed to have been involved in the crash was found parked nearby at Castleforbes Square a short time later.

It is understood that up to four individuals fled from the vehicle and officers are now trying to identify them.

Twisted

There was obvious damage to the light-coloured hatchback, with the roof buckled and the windscreen pushed in from the force of the impact.

The bicycle was left bent and twisted at the scene, along with one of the cyclist's shoes.

The scene was examined by garda forensic collision investigators and the road remained closed for several hours.

Gardaí are trying to find out who was driving the car. While no arrests had been made last night, it is believed it can be linked to the crash through forensic evidence.

Local independent councillor Anthony Flynn urged anyone who was involved to contact gardaí with what they know.

"I'm aware at this stage that the victim is in a critical condition," he said.

"I would be urging anyone with any information, or anything they have, to bring it to the gardaí."

He said there has been a noticeable increase in the amount of anti-social behaviour taking place in the area since lockdown.

"For example,on the night in question there were reports of individuals driving around throwing fireworks out of a car, though I don't know if there is any connection to the hit-and-run," he said.

"There has also been ongoing issues with joyriding, people on motorbikes and mopeds - that kind of thing."

Mr Flynn also called for an increased garda presence in the area to tackle the nuisance issues.

"Although we are being told that there is an increase in gardaí, we're not seeing it on the ground," he said.

Gardaí at Store Street have appealed for witnesses and drivers with dash-cam footage of the area to come forward.

They are appealing in particular to anyone who was in North Wall Quay, North Wall Avenue, East Wall Road, Sheriff Street Upper, Castleforbes Road or Castleforbes Square between 10.15pm and 10.30pm on Monday to make contact.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room at Store Street Garda station on 01 666 8000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.