An Garda Síochána Easter Bank Holiday Road Safety Campaign 2026
Cork driver caught doing 82km/h in a 50km/h zone on the R600 as Gardaí record 680+ speeding detections on day one of Easter Roads Operation.
A major Garda Roads Policing Operation is under way across Ireland this Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, running from 7:00am on Thursday 2nd April until 7:00am on Tuesday 7th April 2026, with Cork already featuring among the notable speeding detections in the first 24 hours.
No fatalities were recorded on Irish roads during the first day of the operation, from 7:00am on Thursday 2nd April to 7:00am this morning, Friday 3rd April. However, the total number of road fatalities in Ireland so far this year stands at 42.
In excess of 680 drivers were detected for speeding offences during the first 24 hours of the operation. Among the notable speeds recorded was a driver clocked at 82 km/h in a 50km/h zone on the R600 in Belgooly, Co. Cork. Other significant detections included 81 km/h in a 60km/h zone on the R267 in Bundoran, Co. Donegal; 104 km/h in an 80km/h zone on the Drogheda Road in Gormanstown, Co. Meath; and 147 km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N11 in Newcastle, Co. Wicklow.
A total of 21 people have been arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant, with Gardaí conducting both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) checkpoints and regular high-visibility policing throughout the weekend. Nearly 90 drivers were also detected either holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt during the same period.
An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are urging all road users to take extra care this Easter Weekend. Every Garda on duty over the 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.
Motorists are reminded to always drive within the speed limit, wear a seatbelt, and keep mobile phones out of reach while driving. Gardaí are also calling for extra caution around vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Those walking or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs are also cautioned that they put themselves and others at risk.
All data is provisional, operational and subject to change.