Nine people in Donegal were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the last week. Of those nine drivers, three were already banned from the road.
In the same timeframe, 21 vehicles were seized.
The figures come amid a warning from An Garda Síochána that a dedicated road traffic enforcement operation is in place throughout the festive period. The operation, which began on Monday, December 1, will continue until January 5, 2026.
A joint ‘An Garda Síochána/PSNI’ road safety briefing took place on Monday morning at the Bridgend border crossing where Superintendent David Kelly spoke about the importance of everyone working together to ensure safety on our roads. As part of our road safety campaign, we will work in conjunction with the PSNI to try to prevent fatal or serious injury collisions over the Christmas/ New Year period.
Gardaí are out on the roads conducting high visibility checkpoints, Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT checkpoints) and patrols.
“In Donegal, over the past week alone, five people have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving offences and four have been arrested on suspicion of drug driving. Out of those nine drivers, three were already disqualified from driving,” a garda spokesperson said.
Twenty-one vehicles were seized for various reasons, such as no insurance, no tax and no NCT. Gardaí have said four of the vehicles seized were seized under section 109A of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
“An Garda Síochána can seize a vehicle which has been used, is being used, or is likely to be used in a dangerous manner in any place which may be dangerous to persons present (or likely to be present). In order to get your vehicle back, you must apply to the Judge of the District Court. This legislation is enforced regularly by Gardaí in Donegal in a bid to keep everyone safe on the roads.”
Fixed Charge Penalty Notices are being issued for various offences such as speeding, driving on a learner permit while unaccompanied, the non-wearing of seatbelts and holding/using a mobile phone while driving.
“The Christmas period is one of the busiest on Irish roads. It is also one of the periods during which road users are at the highest risk of being involved in a fatal or serious road traffic collision.
“We appeal to all those who will be taking to the roads over the Christmas period to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention.”
