Tipp driver caught travelling at 138km/h in 50km/h zone in Easter crackdown

One driver was caught travelling at 138 km/h in a 50km/h zone. File picture

More than 3,000 people were detected for speeding across the Easter bank holiday weekend, with one driver caught travelling at 138 km/h in a 50km/h zone.

Gardaí launched an enhanced road policing operation between 7am last Thursday until 7am on Tuesday, to clamp down on speeding motorists and driving under the influence of intoxicants.

However, there was still one tragedy on the roads, when a female pedestrian in her 40s was hit by a lorry at Station Roundabout in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, on Friday before 3pm. 

She was treated for serious injuries in Letterkenny University Hospital but died on Sunday.

Her death brought the total number of fatalities on the road this year to 43.

More than 3,000 drivers were detected for speeding offences during the first four days of the Garda roads policing operation, including:

• One motorist caught travelling at 138km/h in a 50km/h zone on Cashel Rd, Cahir, Co Tipperary;
• A motorist was caught driving at 98 km/h in a 60km/h zone on Dangan Road, Tullamore, Offaly on Sunday;
• On the N4, Doddsborough, Lucan, Dublin, a speed of 117 km/h was recorded in an 80km/h zone;
• And a speed of 136 km/h was recorded in a 100km/h zone on the N7, Brownsbarn, Dublin 22, also on Sunday.

A total of 138 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs between Thursday morning and Monday.

And more than 310 people were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt in the same timeframe.

Every on-duty garda over the long weekend was to be out on road traffic enforcement activity. Gardaí placed a particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Gardaí are urging road users to take extra caution around vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians and cyclists.

"Walking home or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also put you and other road users at risk. Cyclists and pedestrians should stay visible and observe their surroundings at all times," a Garda statement said.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the fatal collision in Letterkenny or may have camera footage to come forward.