Gardaí detect 1,200 speeding offences and 48 drink or drug drivers in 48 hours

Gardaí have also arrested 48 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. File picture

More than 1,200 drivers have already been caught speeding during the May bank holiday weekend, with one motorist recorded travelling at 147km/h in an 80km/h zone.

The offence, detected on the R245 in Milford, Co Donegal, is among a number of high-speed incidents recorded by gardaí as part of an ongoing nationwide Roads Policing Operation.

The operation, which began at 7am on Thursday, April 30, and runs until 7am on Tuesday, May 5, has also seen another driver clocked at 141km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N25 at Ballyadam, Co Cork.

Other notable detections include speeds of 82km/h in a 50km/h zone on the R180 at Mount Brown in Dublin 8, and 90km/h in a 60km/h zone on the N4 in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Roscommon.

During the first 48 hours of the operation, no fatalities were recorded on Irish roads. The total number of road deaths so far this year stands at 55.

Gardaí have also arrested 48 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while close to 110 drivers were found using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

High-visibility checkpoints and Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) are being carried out nationwide as part of the enforcement campaign.

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority have urged all road users to take care over the busy weekend, with a particular focus on those driving under the influence.

Motorists are reminded to adhere to speed limits, wear seatbelts, and avoid distractions such as mobile phones while driving.

Pedestrians and cyclists are also advised to remain vigilant, stay visible, and be aware of their surroundings, particularly when travelling under the influence of alcohol or drugs.