,At approximately 7.20pm yesterday, 9th March, a motor cyclist in his late 20's was seriously injured when his motor cycle was in a collision with a car on the old Portlaoise to Ballybrittas Road (R419) at The Heath. He was taken to Portlaoise hospital where he was later pronounced dead.The 75 year old female driver of the car was also taken to Portlaoise hospital with non life threatening injuries.

The road is closed to facilitate a Forensic collision examination and local diversions are in place, the road is expected to remain closed until this afternoon, 10th March 2016. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact Portlaoise Garda station on 057 8674100, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.