by Louise Doyle
GARDAÍ in Letterkenny are ramping up a roads policing operation this bank holiday weekend and are warning people to behave responsibly.
There will be a visible garda presence in Letterkenny and across the county this weekend, as hundreds of people will enjoy St Patrick’s Day celebrations on Sunday.
Gardai say their main priority is to “keep people safe and prevent death or injury on our roads”.
“We are urging all road users to act responsibly and to make responsible road safety decisions this St Patrick’s Day and over the Bank Holiday weekend.
“A Bank Holiday roads policing operation will take place over the course of the weekend. Gardaí will maintain a visible presence on the roads and on the streets.
“Our priority is to keep people safe and to prevent death and injury on our roads.”
Gardaí are appealing to drivers not to get behind the wheel of their vehicle if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Their call comes after 15 motorists were arrested in the last week alone in Donegal Division.
Ten drivers were arrested for drug driving, while five drink driving arrests were made.
“The figures in relation to drug driving detections in particular are very concerning at present,” said a garda spokesperson.
“We appeal to those of you who will be socialising and consuming alcohol to leave your car at home or to designate a driver and also to remember that you may still be over the limit the morning after.
“We urge people not to drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and please do not get into a car as a passenger with a driver whom you suspect may be under the influence.”
Drivers are also being urged to reduce their speed, wear their seatbelt and not to hold or use a mobile phone while driving.
Meanwhile, a number of temporary road closures will take place in Letterkenny on Sunday, March 17 to facilitate St. Patrick’s Day parade and festivities.
Between 1pm and 5pm, the Port Road, from the Station roundabout, and Main Street to the bottom of Lower Main Street and on over to the entrance of the Old Dunnes on the Oldtown road will be closed to traffic.
One Lane will be blocked along the Pearse Road from the North West Service Centre to the Station Roundabout. Local Traffic will be allowed from 1.30pm to 3pm only. Gardaí will be on hand to assist with local diversions.
The roads will all reopen from 5pm. Details of the various road closures will be posted on An Garda Síochána Donegal’s Facebook page before Sunday.
“We advise all who intend on visiting Letterkenny for the parade to familiarise themselves with the road closures/diversions in advance of the day.
“We ask everyone to please celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a safe and responsible manner as it is a day that many families go out for the day together and they should feel safe in doing so,” said a garda spokesperson.
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