Two Killed on Irish Roads Over St Brigid's Bank Holiday Weekend

Gardaí have released sobering figures from the St Brigid's Bank Holiday weekend, revealing two fatalities, nearly 3,500 speeding detections, and 193 arrests for intoxicated driving as part of an enhanced road safety operation.

The nationwide enforcement campaign ran from 7am on Thursday 30 January to 7am on Tuesday 4 February 2026, with officers carrying out increased patrols and checkpoints across the country.

Two people lost their lives in separate fatal collisions during the period, while 14 serious injury collisions left 15 people with significant injuries. To date in 2026, 13 people have died on Irish roads.

Speeding remains a major concern

Between Friday 31 January and Monday 3 February, Gardaí and GoSafe cameras detected nearly 3,500 motorists exceeding the speed limit. Bank Holiday Monday recorded the highest volume, with over 800 detections.

Some of the most alarming speeds recorded included a driver travelling at 190kph in a 100kph zone on the N4 at Aughamore, Co Leitrim, and another at 154kph in an 80kph zone on the N16 in Glencar, Co Sligo.

In urban areas, one motorist was caught doing 134kph in a 60kph zone on Katherine Tynan Road in Dublin 24, while another reached 95kph in a 50kph zone on the Malahide Road.

Other offences

Officers arrested 193 drivers on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Nearly 400 motorists were caught using a mobile phone while driving.

Over 660 vehicles were detained during the operation, with half seized for having no insurance.

An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all road users: do not drive distracted or under the influence, always observe speed limits appropriate to conditions, and wear a seatbelt.