Motorist arrested after being caught doing 136km/h in 50km/h zone

Though the vast majority of drivers were found to be driving within the applicable speed limits, gardaí say there have already been some 'alarming detections'. File picture: Denis Minihane

Gardaí have caught more than 660 motorists breaking the speed limit on Irish roads since Monday morning, including one driver in Offaly who was clocked driving at 136km/h in a 50km/h zone.

Since 7am on Monday, gardaí have been monitoring the speeds of drivers nationwide as part of the force's Slow Down Day operation. Of the 157,298 vehicles that have been checked, 665 drivers have been detected speeding.

Though the vast majority of drivers were found to be driving within the applicable speed limits, gardaí say there have already been some "alarming detections".

In Tullamore, Co Offaly, a vehicle was detected travelling at 136km/h in a 50km/h zone. The driver was subsequently arrested for dangerous driving and charged.

In Oranmore, Co Galway, a motorist was clocked driving at 162km/h in a 100km/h zone on Monday evening. Gardaí said the driver was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and appeared before Tullamore District Court earlier on Tuesday.

Other notable detections include: 

• 90km/h in a 60km/h Zone on the N20 Baltydaniel West near Mallow Cork;
• 122km/h in a 100km/h Zone on the N71 Ballynagrumoolia near Waterfall Cork;
• 131km/h in a 100km/h Zone on the N18 Ballinacurra (Weston) in Limerick;
• 89km/h in a 60km/h Zone on the N4 Drishoge Carrick-On-Shannon in Roscommon;
• 116km/h in a 80km/h Zone on the N17 Tobertelly Achonry in Co Sligo;
• 141km/h in a 100km/h Zone on the N4 Greatdown The Downs in Westmeath;
• 177km/h in a 120km/h Zone on the M6 Killavally Tyrrellspass in Westmeath;
• 140km/h in a 100km/h Zone on the N3 Drumbarlom Belturbet in Co Cavan;
• 78km/h in a 50km/h Zone on the Leopardstown Road in Dublin 18;
• 98km/h in a 80km/h Zone on the N78 Muckalee Ballyfoyle in Kilkenny.

"The reality is that excessive and inappropriate speed continues to contribute to serious road traffic collisions that cause life-altering injuries and even fatality," said Garda National Roads Policing Bureau Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries.

"It’s positive that yesterday’s detections indicate that motorists are generally making an effort to comply with speed limits around the country, however, it is the poor action and the risks taken by few that can be most detrimental."

Chief Supt Humphries said that while the vast majority of drivers drive safely within the speed limits, there are still those who continue to drive at excessive speeds.

"We will maintain our focus on non-compliant drivers as they pose a risk to themselves and other road users," she said. The operation comes as 127 people have died on Irish roads so far in 2024.