Three Fatalities and 149 Drink-Driving Arrests in Fourth Week of Christmas Road Safety Campaign

An Garda Síochána has reported three fatalities and eight serious collisions during the fourth week of its Christmas road safety operation, which saw 149 people arrested for driving under the influence of intoxicants between 22nd and 28th December.

The ongoing enforcement campaign, which began on 1st December 2025 and continues until 5th January 2026, has intensified during the festive period with nearly 2,100 checkpoints conducted last week alone.

Over 4,600 drivers were detected for speeding offences during the seven-day period by An Garda Síochána, Static Safety Cameras, and Mobile Safety Camera Vans operated by GoSafe.

Several extreme speeding violations were recorded, including a driver travelling at 207km/hr in a 100km/hr zone on the N18 in Ballinacurra (Weston), Co. Limerick, and another reaching 167km/hr in an 80km/hr zone on the R430 road in Drumagh, Crettyard, Co. Laois. In Dublin 7, a motorist was detected driving at 118km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on the North Circular Road.

Additional serious violations included speeds of 140km/hr in a 60km/hr zone on the N15 in Mullandrait, Stranorlar, Co. Donegal, and 164km/hr in a 120km/hr zone on the M9 in Yellowbogcommon, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare.

Over 435 vehicles were seized for various offences under the Road Traffic Act, 1961. Approximately 150 Fixed Charge Notices were issued for mobile phone use while driving, and approximately 45 for seat belt offences.

An Garda Síochána has confirmed that 189 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads so far this year.

This year's Christmas and New Year road safety appeal focuses on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and the devastating loss of life and serious injuries it causes.

An Garda Síochána is appealing to all road users over the Christmas period to slow down, take extra care, and give their driving full attention.