He had been a member of Cycling Ireland's high performance squad and was returning home from a race last night, part of final training preparations for this weekend's Tour, when the accident occurred at around 10.30pm.

"Paul dedicated himself to the sport he loved 100% and his application and focus as a senior member of the national team were a great example to the younger riders," the body said in a statement.

"Irish cycling has lost an excellent ambassador of our sport, but his wife, family and friends have lost a truly great man. Paul will be missed by many and at this moment Irish cycling is coming to terms with the loss."

Cycling Ireland's High Performance Director Philip Leigh described Healion as a "great guy" who would be sadly missed, adding that the cycling community was "in shock".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family," said Leigh, adding that Healion's death had cast a shadow over the three-stage Tour of Ireland, in which he was due to compete alongside teammates David McCann, Sean Downey, Philip Lavery, Paul Griffin, Martyn Irvine and Sam Bennett.

As a mark of respect Cycling Ireland was not intending to name a replacement on the Irish team for the August 21-23 race, Leigh said. He added that a minute's silence would be held prior to the race start.

Mick Lawless, secretary of Healion's cycling club South Dublin CC said the Dunboyne man was as a "great ambassador" for the club and for the sport of cycling.

"It is a very sad day for us," said Lawless.

Sports Minister Martin Cullen also expressed his sympathies.

"Paul quite rightly would have had great expectations for this weekend's cycling as he was certainly enjoying his best season to date" Minister Cullen said.

"His passing will be mourned not only by his family, teammates, and friends but also by the wider cycling fraternity."