A TOTAL of 17 drivers were arrested in Donegal over the August Bank Holiday weekend on suspicion of drink or drug driving.
Gardaí have confirmed that they also seized 18 vehicles over the weekend for various road traffic related offences.
Vehicles including tractors, cars and e-scooters were seized for reasons such as no insurance, obstruction, no NCT, dangerous driving and from learner drivers who were driving while unaccompanied.
The arrests and vehicle seizures were made as part of an extensive roads policing operation across Donegal, which began on Thursday, July 30 and continued until this morning.
This enforcement operation focused on the four lifesaver offences: speeding, driving under the influence of an intoxicant, using a mobile phone while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt.
Gardaí wish to remind all learner permit drivers that they must be accompanied by a qualified driver while driving, under the Clancy Amendment. A qualified driver is someone who has had a full, valid driving licence in the same vehicle category for a minimum of two years.
During the first half of 2026, an average of one driver was arrested by An Garda Síochána every hour of every day for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
This totals 4,600 arrests between January 1 and June 30, 2026.
“These figures are worryingly high and so we continue to urge all drivers never to consider getting behind the wheel if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said a Garda spokesperson.
“Do not get into a vehicle as a passenger either if you suspect that the driver may be under the influence. Please alert gardaí immediately if you suspect that someone is driving while under the influence.
“We continue to urge all road users to take care on the roads, not to take risks and to do everything in their power to ensure that they and everyone around them stays safe.”