Gardaí Confirm Two Fatal Collisions Two Days into October Bank Holiday Roads Policing Operation

Two days into the October bank holiday Roads Policing operation, Gardaí have confirmed two fatalities as a result of two fatal collisions. The total number of fatalities on Irish roads to date this year is 153.

A Garda Roads Policing operation is taking place throughout the October bank holiday weekend, from Thursday 22 October to Tuesday 27 October 2026. Throughout the operation, Gardaí are conducting both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing checkpoints and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints.

To date under this operation, a total of 40 people were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs). During the first two days of the operation, just over 1,570 drivers were detected for speeding offences, and more than 200 drivers were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

Notable speeds detected on Friday 23 October 2026 include 105km/h in a 50km/h zone on the Monread Road, Naas, Kildare, and 93km/h in a 60km/h zone on the L3976 Tankardstown, Ballylinan, Laois. Other notable speeds detected that day include 111km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R147, Commons of Lloyd, Kells, Meath, and 156km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N4, Lecarrow, Ballinafad, Sligo.

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority are urging all road users to support their efforts to keep people safe on the roads this October bank holiday weekend. An Garda Síochána is also urging road users to be mindful of and take extra care around vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians and cyclists. Cyclists and pedestrians should ensure they are clearly visible in darker conditions and always observe their surroundings.

The Garda statement says road safety needs to be a priority for everyone. It adds that people should slow down and adhere to the speed limit, never drive under the influence of drink or drugs, wear their seatbelt, and not get distracted by mobile devices when driving. It also says all road users have a part to play in people arriving at their destination safely this weekend.