Gardaí to police roads 'night and day' during festive period

Assistant Garda Commissioner Paula Hilman said more than 7,000 people have been arrested so far this year for driving under the influence, while 17,000 fixed charge notices have been issued this year for mobile phone use while driving. Picture: Colin Keegan/ Collins 

Gardaí will be policing Irish roads “night and day” during the high-risk festive season following a “devastating” number of fatalities so far this year.

Some 172 people have lost their lives across 161 collisions so far this year, an increase of 31 from the same time last year.