Almost 3,500 drivers caught speeding as bank holiday roads policing operation continues 

The garda bank holiday campaign continues until Tuesday. File photo. 

Almost 150 people have been detected driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs since Thursday, according to gardaí.

As part of the garda bank holiday roads policing operation, 146 people have been arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. 

Just over 3,490 drivers have been detected speeding in the same period. 

In Newtownmountkennedy in Wicklow, a driver was nabbed travelling at 153km/h in a 100km/h zone on the N11 on Sunday. Meanwhile a driver was caught travelling at 131km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R738 at Barntown in Wexford.

More than 300 people have been detected for either using a handheld mobile phone or for not wearing a seatbelt.

Meanwhile, there have been two fatalities on Irish roads, including one person in a collision on Friday between Carrigaline and Crosshaven in Cork. 

The number of people killed on Irish roads to date this year stands at 153.

A garda statement said: “An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority are urging all road users to support their efforts to keep people safe on the roads this October bank holiday weekend. 

“An Garda Síochána is urging road users to be mindful of and take extra care around vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians and cyclists. 

“Cyclists and pedestrians should ensure they are clearly visible in darker conditions and always observe their surroundings.” 

It added: “Road safety needs to be a priority for everyone. Slow down and adhere to the speed limit. 

“Never drive under the influence of drink or drugs. 

“Wear your seatbelt and don’t get distracted by mobile devices when you are driving. 

“All road users have a part to play in people arriving at their destination safely this weekend.”