Motorist speeding at 158km/h in 80km/h zone in Tipperary

It also saw two fatalities as a result of traffic collisions on Irish roads. This brings the total number of road deaths for this year up to 57. Pictue Dan Linehan

A motorist was clocked speeding at 158km/h in an 80km/h zone in Co Tipperary on Sunday. 

The latest statistics from gardaí as part of their bank holiday road policing operation found over 2,400 drivers speeding over the legal limit across four days.

It also saw two fatalities as a result of accidents. This brings the total number of road deaths for this year up to 57. 

The first incident resulted in the death of a male cyclist after he hit a railing in Co Laois on Sunday afternoon.

It happened on College Avenue, Mountmellic, at around 4.30pm. The man, aged in his 50s, was taken to Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, to receive treatment, but died on Sunday night.

Separately, a man in his 30s was killed in a crash involving a tractor in Co Cavan. It happened on a local road in Carrickaboy shortly before 12.40pm on Sunday afternoon. 

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and his body was taken to Cavan Monaghan General Hospital.

Meanwhile, gardaí are urging motorists to always drive within the limit after over 2,400 drivers were caught speeding. 

Some of the notable speeds on Sunday include: 

• 96 km/h in a 50km/hr zone on the Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin 6.
• 112 km/h in a 60km/hr zone on the Navan Road, Dublin 15.
• 158 km/h in an 80km/hr zone on the R498, Inch, Borrisoleigh, Tipperary.
• 141 km/h in a 100km/hr zone on the R446, Faheeran, Moate, Offaly.

Additionally, 123 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. More than 240 drivers were found either using a mobile phone or not wearing their seatbelts. 

Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are urging all road users to support their efforts to keep them and all others on the roads safe this bank holiday weekend.

"Every member of An Garda Síochána on duty this long weekend will be out conducting road traffic enforcement activity. Gardaí will be placing a particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this weekend. At no point is it safe or acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having an intoxicant like alcohol or drugs," a garda spokesperson said. 

An Garda Síochána is urging road users to exercise extra caution around vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists.

The operation, which has been in place since 7am on Thursday, April 30, will remain in effect until Tuesday, May 5, at 7am.