Motorists caught travelling at 228km/h on weekend that saw two fatalities and 11 major crashes 

Gardaí carried out 4,780 roadside drug and alcohol tests resulting in 161 people being arrested for driving under the influence. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

A motorist was clocked travelling at 228km/h on the M1 over the February bank holiday, on a weekend that saw two fatalities and 11 major crashes, leaving 12 people with serious and life-threatening injuries.

Throughout the weekend, about 3,000 drivers were detected for speeding offences, the most severe of which involved the motorist travelling at almost double the 120km/h limit on the M1 near Balgatheran in Drogheda, Co Louth.

So far there have been 21 fatalities on Irish roads in 2023.

Other notable speeding offences included:

• A motorist doing 99km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on Cork Street, Dublin 8; 
• A motorist doing 143km/hr in a 60km/hr zone on the R700 in Knockavilla, New Ross, Co Wexford; 
• A motorist doing 148km/hr in an 80km/hr zone on the R339 in Glenrevagh, Oranmore, Co Galway; 
• A motorist doing 153km/hr in a 100km/hr zone on the N61 in Carrownalassan, Co Mayo.

Between 7am on Thursday and 7am on Tuesday, gardaí carried out over 898 Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT), and conducted 4,780 roadside drug and alcohol tests, resulting in 161 people being arrested for driving under the influence.

Gardaí say more than 15% of these arrests happened between the hours of 6am and 2pm.

Gardaí issued fixed charge offences to more than 110 motorists for using a mobile phone while driving, while 61 people were caught not wearing a seatbelt.

Fines and penalty points were also issued to 215 unaccompanied learner drivers, with more than 100 vehicles being seized from unaccompanied learner permit holders.

More than 420 vehicles were also seized for having no valid tax or insurance.

"Gardaí working nationwide over the bank holiday weekend received good support from the public and we really hope that this continues as it helps us to keep road users safe," said Jane Humphries, chief superintendent of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau.

"Enforcing road traffic laws is a core element of road safety and so too is our work to raise awareness among all ages. We all have a personal responsibility to prevent road fatalities and serious injury road traffic collisions, and we must work together.”

Gardaí have appealed for all road users to slow down, and to always choose a speed that is appropriate to the driving conditions.

They have also appealed for drivers to wear their seatbelt and never use a mobile phone while driving.