Two Irish tourists who were killed after being hit by a car in the Italian capital have been named locally.
Paul and Mary O'Reilly, aged 60 and 59, from Kilmore in Co Wexford died on Thursday while crossing the Cristoforo Colombo Road in Rome.
The Daily Wire Rome Correspondent Bree Dail told Newstalk Breakfast the location is a busy intersection.
"Paul and Mary O'Reilly, both 60 and 59, were stuck while crossing that road on the pedestrian side," she said.
"Investigations are ongoing, it does seem like the individual who hit them - a man around 59-years-old - stopped, got out of the car and started to perform emergency actions.
"There is an investigation ongoing to whether or not he crossed through a red light.
"The intersection itself has lights there for pedestrians.
"It is going to be an ongoing investigation, especially because it's very close to the presidential palace."
Churches and domes of the Rome skyline in Italy in July 2015. Image: robertharding / Alamy Stock PhotoMs Dail pedestrians always have the right of way.
"Speed is always a factor here in Rome," she said.
"You have to be pretty aggressive and defensive when you're driving, being aware that pedestrians always have the right of way - even if they are crossing on a red light.
"Frankly I think as a tourist in the city you will keep your head on a swivel, so to speak, on any road that you would be crossing in Rome.
"Many of them only have the distinguished white lines that indicate where you can cross, many people cross illegally so you have that as well.
"It is very strong legal proceedings when pedestrians are hit, especially crossing the road on those marked lines," she added.
