Nearly 200 drivers arrested for being under the influence over bank holiday weekend

The enhanced Road Safety and Traffic Enforcement campaign over the St Brigid’s Bank Holiday weekend lasted from 7am last Thursday until 7am on Tuesday.

Gardaí caught just under 3,500 speeding drivers during its latest bank holiday road safety blitz, along with more than 300 uninsured drivers.

The highest volume of detections was on Bank Holiday Monday, with over 800 speeding detections — the worst of whom was a driver caught doing 190kph in a 100kph zone on the N4, Aughamore, Co. Leitrim.

A total of 193 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant, while nearly 400 drivers were detected for driving while using a mobile phone.

In addition, of the over 660 vehicles detained by members of An Garda Síochána, some 50% of them were uninsured.

The enhanced Road Safety and Traffic Enforcement campaign over the St Brigid’s Bank Holiday weekend lasted from 7am last Thursday until 7am on Tuesday.

Two people died during the period in traffic collisions and 15 more suffered serious injuries in 14 collisions.

According to the latest stats, 13 persons have died on Irish roads to date in 2026, as of February 3.

A total of 188 persons died on Irish Roads in 2025, with 14 of them dying in January last year.

Notable top speeds detected over the Bank Holiday Weekend included a driver doing 95kph in a 50kph zone on the Malahide Road, Dublin 3 and one doing 154kph in in an 80kph zone on the N16 in Glencar, Co Sligo.

A garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all road users - slow down, don’t drive distracted and don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Always drive within the posted legal speed limit or at an appropriate speed to the prevailing conditions and always wear a seatbelt.”