Another farmer has been killed in a farm accident, bringing the death toll from farming-related accidents this year to 21.

The man, who is in his 60s, is thought to have been killed by his own tractor on a farm in Co. Clare last night.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is investigating the incident.

The death brings the national toll of farm deaths to 21, despite a high profile campaign by the Health and Safety Authority earlier this year, and a conference on farming accidents just weeks ago.

According to the statistics, 11 of the 21 deaths this year have involved machinery of some sort. The HSA says that 11 of the deaths this year involved machinery, while four people died when trapped or crushed on farms. It also says that four of the deaths this year involved people over 80 years of age.

The HSA has said previously that older farmers and young children are particularly at risk on farms and while awareness is high and attitudes are positive towards preventing farm accidents and farm safety, it is not translating into safe behaviour.