Road tragedy teen over drink limit

A TEENAGE driver involved in a road accident, in which two members of the emergency services lost their lives, was reportedly over the drink driving limit.

Garda Brian Kelleher and fire services volunteer Mike Liston died in the line of duty 10 days ago.

As they assisted a crash victim, they died instantly after being struck by a car driven by an 18-year-old.

After being arrested at the scene in Co Limerick, an Intoxalyser test showed the youth exceeded the drink driving limit.

The legal limit is set at 35 but the Intoxalyser reading showed just over 50 micrograms of alcohol per millilitres of breath, the Irish Examiner has learned.

The youth was given the breath test at Henry Street Garda station in Limerick where he was brought after being arrested.

His reading is understood to have been in the region of 16 micrograms above the legal limit of 35 and below the higher 66 level which carries an automatic two-year suspension.

A reading in the lower category carries an automatic three month’s driving ban.

A reading above 44 micrograms of alcohol per millilitres of breath and below 66 carries an automatic 12 month’s disqualification.

A reading above 66 carries an automatic two year’s driving ban.

It is expected that a number of charges will be brought against the driver who lives in the Ballylongford area of North Kerry.

He and two other young men, travelling in the car at the time of the accident, were unhurt.

Supt Joe Roe of Askeaton who is heading the investigation said he would not make any comment on the investigation. Supt Roe said: “The investigation is progressing.”

The driver of the car involved in the accident was arrested at the scene shortly after 5.40am on Sunday, February 25, on suspicion of drink driving.

He was driving from North Kerry in an Audi coupe car when it ploughed into the scene of an earlier single car accident at Barrigone between Foynes and Askeaton.

Garda Kelleher and Mr Liston who were attending the scene of the first accident died instantly.

The driver was arrested and brought to Henry Street garda station where he was given a breath test on the Intoxalyser.

He was released from custody later that day and a file is at present being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Meanwhile, it was learned yesterday that the members of the Foynes fire service, of which Mike Liston was a member, are still off duty and cover is being provided by neighbouring brigades.

Counselling has been provided to the Foynes brigade members. Members of the service serve on a part-time basis.