Murders increase by 36% in year
The number of murders in Ireland has risen by more than a third (36%), with 60 deaths in the year to March.
The latest recorded crime statistics from the CSO show that overall homicides have risen by 23%, with the biggest rise being murders - up from 44 to 60 deaths in the 12-month period.
Homicide also includes dangerous driving causing death, and there were 22 deaths in this category - down 1.
During the same time, kidnappings rose by 6%, and theft was up by 2%.
In the wider statistics, crime fell in 10 of the 14 identified crime groups, including burglary, damage to property, and public order offences.
Gardaí said the increase in homicide was not connected to organised crime, but still a cause for concern.
