Gardaí and RSA Launch June Bank Holiday Roads Operation

An Garda Síochána has launched its June bank holiday weekend roads policing operation, with officers urging all road users to never get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The operation, which began today, Thursday 28 May 2026, runs until Tuesday, 2 June 2026. Every member of An Garda Síochána on duty this weekend will be conducting road traffic enforcement activity, with an increased presence on roads to detect intoxicated driving.

To date this year, 69 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions in Ireland. Last year, 2025, saw the highest number of deaths on Irish roads in a decade, and this year's figures are currently four higher than at the same point last year.

Gardaí analysis of road traffic collisions over the last four June bank holiday weekends found that the risk of collision is at its highest between 12pm and 9pm. A separate analysis of intoxicated driving arrests found the highest volume of arrests were made between 9pm and 3am.

Over 40% of drivers arrested for driving under the influence of drugs in 2025 and to date in 2026 were aged between 21 and 30 years old. Some 29% of drivers arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol during the same timeframe were aged between 35 and 45 years old. Last month, 165 people were arrested for driving while intoxicated during the May bank holiday weekend alone.

New research from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) shows that alcohol continues to play a significant role in serious and fatal collisions. Analysis of surviving drivers involved in fatal and serious injury collisions between 2021 and 2025 found that 384 (7%) tested positive for alcohol. Almost half of those drivers (44%, or 169 drivers) were seriously injured. In addition, 38 people died and a further 264 other road users were seriously injured.

Of the surviving drivers who tested positive for alcohol following a fatal or serious injury collision: 84% were male; 57% were aged between 16 and 35 years; 54% were involved in collisions between 8pm and 4am; and 51% were involved in collisions on Saturdays and Sundays.

Separate RSA analysis of coronial data for driver fatalities between 2016 and 2020 found that, among driver fatalities with a toxicology result available, 35% had a positive toxicology for alcohol. Of those fatalities, 93% were male and 76% were under 45 years of age. Almost four in five occurred between Friday and Monday, 57% occurred between 10pm and 6am, and 75% occurred on roads with speed limits of 80km/h or higher.

Chief Superintendent David Harrington, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, said:

"Regrettably, we are still seeing a high number of drivers getting behind the wheel after consuming drugs and alcohol. Last month, 165 people were arrested for driving while intoxicated during the May bank holiday weekend. This is not only unacceptable and dangerous behaviour, it is also against the law.

Everyone has the right to get home safe this weekend. We are appealing to all road users to never, ever drive after taking drugs or drinking alcohol. If you are socialising this weekend, plan your journey home in advance. Use taxis and public transport, or organise a lift home with friends and family.

If you are detected driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will be arrested. And if you are convicted, you will lose your licence."

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney, said:

"As the June Bank holiday approaches, I want to appeal to all road users to take extra care and to practice good road safety habits. It is everyone's responsibility to make our roads a safer place. This means slowing down, putting the mobile away, wearing your seatbelt on every trip, never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and watching out for vulnerable road users. We are all enjoying the fine weather and with that more of us are out and about walking, cycling and socialising, young and old alike. It is my hope that this appeal reminds road users across the country to be extra vigilant as we all make journeys to visit loved ones and friends. Everyone is entitled to feel safe on our roads."

Anne Graham, Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority, said:

"The research shows that alcohol continues to be a factor in fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads and the findings point to clear patterns; with alcohol-related collisions more likely to happen late at night, in the early morning, at weekends and on rural roads.

"The June bank holiday will see more people travelling and every road user has a part to play in preventing fatalities and serious injuries. Alcohol impairs judgement, reaction time and decision-making, even on short journeys. You may also still be over the limit the morning after. I'm appealing to young male drivers in particular to never drink and drive. Do not take a risk that could change your life or someone else's forever."

Gardaí are also targeting the key Lifesaver offences this weekend: speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt. All road users are urged to slow down, choose a speed appropriate to the conditions, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The RSA research will be published in full on www.rsa.ie on Friday, 29 May 2026.