Major concern has been expressed about the high number of deaths that have occurred on Irish farms this year.

Eleven people have lost their lives in farming accidents so far this year, compared to just two during the same period last year.

As a result, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, have issued a joint appeal to all farmers to make safety a top priority.

Most of the deaths that have occurred this year have involved tractors and other farm machinery.

"There have been four deaths in the month of May alone. These are not just numbers, these are real people, real tragedies, real families destroyed. Every year it is the same, tractors and machinery are the main cause of death on Irish farms," commented HSA chief executive, Martin O'Halloran.

He emphasised that anywhere that people can interact with machinery, ‘the potential for serious injury or death is amplified'.

Meanwhile IFA president, Eddie Downey, called on farming families to take every precaution they can when carrying out their work.

"It is a busy time and silage harvesting will start in the coming weeks. I am asking everybody involved in farming to look out for each other, particularly young and old around livestock and machinery. Our message is ‘think safety, farm safely' every hour of every day," he said.

Also commenting on the issue, Agriculture Minister, Simon Coveney, acknowledged that time and financial pressures mean that many farmers are having to work longer hours, sometimes alone.

"What good is all that hard work if an accident happens due to rushing or fatigue? The reality is, taking risks with your life and limb is never worth it. Please farm safely every day," he added.