Gardaí Issue Road Safety Appeal Following St. Brigid’s Bank Holiday Weekend Collisions
Gardaí issue urgent road safety appeal as St. Brigid’s Bank Holiday operation continues. 163 arrests for intoxicated driving and over 1,000 speeding offences detected.
An Garda Síochána is conducting an extensive Roads Policing Operation over the St. Brigid’s Bank Holiday Weekend, which began at 7:00 am on Thursday, 30th January 2025, and will continue until 7:00 am on Tuesday, 4th February 2025.
As part of the operation, Gardaí have been carrying out both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) checkpoints and high-visibility policing checkpoints in an effort to improve road safety.
However, three fatalities have been recorded on Irish roads during the first four days of the operation, bringing the total number of road deaths this year to 14.
Over 160 Arrests for Driving Under the Influence
Gardaí report that 163 people have been arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol or drugs) since the operation commenced.
In addition, over 1,000 motorists have been detected speeding, despite the reduced number of vehicles on the roads due to the impact of Storm Éowyn.
Among the highest speeds recorded were:
- 83kph in a 50kph zone on the R364, Tullaghaun, Kilkerrin, Co. Galway
- 89kph in a 60kph zone on the Katharine Tynan Road, Dublin 24
- 100kph in an 80kph zone on the N4, Doddsborough, Lucan, Co. Dublin
- 125kph in a 100kph zone on the N7, Castlewarden, South Kill, Co. Kildare
Road Users Urged to Plan Ahead and Drive Responsibly
An Garda Síochána is urging the public to exercise extreme caution when travelling over the remainder of the Bank Holiday weekend.
The risk of a serious or fatal collision is highest between midday and 3:00 pm, and Gardaí are reminding drivers to slow down, remain vigilant, and avoid distractions.
A Garda spokesperson issued the following appeal to all road users:
“Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If socialising, plan ahead and arrange a safe way home. Slow down, take extra care, and give your full attention to the road.”
Authorities are continuing their enforcement efforts and urging all road users to make safety a priority for the remainder of the Bank Holiday period.
