Two Dead and 93 Arrested as Gardaí Record Over 2,550 Speeding Offences in St Patrick's Weekend Crackdown

An Garda Síochána has reported two road fatalities and dozens of arrests for drink and drug driving during the first 72 hours of its St Patrick's Bank Holiday Weekend Roads Policing Operation, bringing the total number of deaths on Irish roads so far this year to 36.

The operation runs from 7:00am on Thursday 12th March 2026 until 7:00am on Wednesday 18th March 2026, with Gardaí carrying out both Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) checkpoints and high-visibility policing nationwide throughout the period.

In the first 72 hours alone, a total of 93 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while in excess of 2,550 drivers were detected for speeding offences.

More than 200 drivers were also detected holding a mobile phone while driving or failing to wear a seatbelt during the same period.

Among the notable speeds recorded on Saturday 14th March 2026, a driver was clocked at 133 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the South Ring Road in Cork. Nationally, speeds of 137 km/h were recorded in an 80 km/h zone on the N4 in Ballydowd, Lucan, Co. Dublin, and again on the M7 in Lewistown, Naas, Co. Kildare, in a 120 km/h zone.

A driver was also detected at 112 km/h in a 50 km/h zone on the R183 in Dernaglug, Doohamlet, Co. Monaghan, and 81 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on the L3002 in Pluckerstown, Kilmeage, Co. Kildare.

An Garda Síochána is appealing to all road users to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and is urging anyone socialising over the coming days to plan ahead and arrange a safe way home.

All drivers are reminded to slow down, take extra care, and give their full attention to the road.

All data is provisional, operational and subject to change.