An Garda Síochána Easter Bank Holiday Road Safety Campaign 2026
No road deaths in the first 72 hours of the Garda Easter Roads Policing Operation, but 98 arrested for drug or drink driving and over 2,100 caught speeding.
Gardaí have released an update on their Easter Bank Holiday Weekend Roads Policing Operation, confirming no fatalities on Irish roads during the first 72 hours of the campaign, though enforcement figures highlight widespread dangerous driving behaviour.
The operation runs from 7:00am on Thursday 2nd April until 7:00am on Tuesday 7th April 2026. In the first 72 hours, up to 7:00am this morning, Sunday 5th April, there were no road fatalities recorded. The total number of road deaths in Ireland so far this year stands at 43.
A total of 98 people have been arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant, with both Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) checkpoints and high-visibility policing taking place throughout the weekend.
In excess of 2,100 drivers were detected speeding during the first 72 hours of the operation. Over 250 people were also caught either using a mobile phone while driving or not wearing a seatbelt in the same period.
Notable speeds recorded on Saturday 4th April included 78 km/h in a 50 km/h zone on the Navan Road in Kells, Co. Meath; 102 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on the Stillorgan Road in Blackrock, Co. Dublin; 107 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on the N52 in Mounthenry, Birr, Co. Offaly; and 129 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the N11 in Timmore, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow.
An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are urging all road users to support enforcement efforts over the remainder of the Easter Weekend. Every Garda on duty this long weekend will be engaged in road traffic enforcement activity, with a particular focus on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Gardaí are also asking motorists to take extra caution around vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Road users are reminded to always drive within the speed limit, wear a seatbelt, and keep mobile phones away while driving.
An Garda Síochána has also noted that walking or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can pose a risk to yourself and others. Cyclists and pedestrians are asked to remain visible and stay aware of their surroundings at all times.
All data is provisional, operational and subject to change.
