06/05/2026
Gardaí Report Two Fatalities and 165 DUI Arrests in Bank Holiday Road Operation
An Garda Síochána has concluded a high-visibility national Roads Policing Operation which ran from Thursday 30 April to Tuesday 5 May 2026. The period was marked by significant enforcement activity and tragedy, with two fatalities and five serious injury collisions reported on Irish roads.
The deaths over the weekend bring the total number of road fatalities for 2026 to 57.
Throughout the operation, Gardaí deployed Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) and high-visibility checkpoints across the country. Key detections included:
• Speeding: More than 3,950 drivers were caught exceeding the speed limit.
• DUI: 165 individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Distraction/Safety: In excess of 300 drivers were detected using a mobile phone or failing to wear a seatbelt.
Notable Speeding Offences (Monday 4 May)
Gardaí highlighted several extreme cases of speeding detected during the final 24 hours of the operation:
• 83km/h in a 50km/h zone (Davitt Road, Dublin 12)
• 121km/h in a 60km/h zone (Maganey Lower, Co. Kildare)
• 137km/h in an 80km/h zone (Knockagowny, Co. Longford)
• 138km/h in a 100km/h zone (Buncrana, Co. Donegal)
Significant Arrest in Co. Cork
In a notable incident over the weekend, a driver in his 30s was stopped at a checkpoint in Co. Cork. After testing positive for cocaine, a subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered 5kg of suspected cannabis. The driver was arrested and has since appeared before the courts.
Safety Appeal
Following the conclusion of the operation, An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to the public to prioritise road safety. Motorists are urged to:
- Never drive under the influence of intoxicants.
- Slow down and adjust speed to suit road conditions.
- Always wear a seatbelt and ensure passengers do the same.
- Eliminate distractions by keeping mobile phones out of reach.
Gardaí reminded all road users that maintaining full attention on the road is essential for the safety of all.
The deaths over the weekend bring the total number of road fatalities for 2026 to 57.
Throughout the operation, Gardaí deployed Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) and high-visibility checkpoints across the country. Key detections included:
• Speeding: More than 3,950 drivers were caught exceeding the speed limit.
• DUI: 165 individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Distraction/Safety: In excess of 300 drivers were detected using a mobile phone or failing to wear a seatbelt.
Notable Speeding Offences (Monday 4 May)
Gardaí highlighted several extreme cases of speeding detected during the final 24 hours of the operation:
• 83km/h in a 50km/h zone (Davitt Road, Dublin 12)
• 121km/h in a 60km/h zone (Maganey Lower, Co. Kildare)
• 137km/h in an 80km/h zone (Knockagowny, Co. Longford)
• 138km/h in a 100km/h zone (Buncrana, Co. Donegal)
Significant Arrest in Co. Cork
In a notable incident over the weekend, a driver in his 30s was stopped at a checkpoint in Co. Cork. After testing positive for cocaine, a subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered 5kg of suspected cannabis. The driver was arrested and has since appeared before the courts.
Safety Appeal
Following the conclusion of the operation, An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to the public to prioritise road safety. Motorists are urged to:
- Never drive under the influence of intoxicants.
- Slow down and adjust speed to suit road conditions.
- Always wear a seatbelt and ensure passengers do the same.
- Eliminate distractions by keeping mobile phones out of reach.
Gardaí reminded all road users that maintaining full attention on the road is essential for the safety of all.
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Ireland WeatherToday:Variable amounts of cloud and some bright or sunny spells. There will be a few passing showers but some a fair amount of dry weather too. Maximum temperature 18 °C.Tonight:Any showers will die out this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with clear periods. Freshening southerly winds along the east coast later. Minimum temperature 13 °C.