A man has died after he was hit by a car in Co Laois.
Tipperary County Council this afternoon named the man as Councillor Willie Kennedy.
The 64-year-old pedestrian was knocked down in Portlaoise, at around 8.30pm last night.
He was removed to hospital in Portlaoise where he was pronounced dead.
In a statement, the council said: "It is with great sadness that Tipperary County Council received the news of the untimely death of our friend and colleague Councillor Willie Kennedy.
"Councillor Kennedy, from Glastrigan Borrisoleigh, Thurles was known for his passionate beliefs and genuine love of the county he served since he was first elected to the County Council in 1985."
Gardaí have appealed to witnesses to come forward.
The driver of the car, a man in his 50s, was uninjured.
A stretch of the N80 between Stradbally and Bloomfield is currently closed to traffic and local diversions are in place.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057-8674100 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.
