34 people arrested at the Donegal Rally

Stephen Maguire

Gardai have made 34 arrests as thousands of people descended on Co Donegal for the annual Donegal International Rally.

There is a large Garda presence in the county for the event, which has attracted more than 70,000.

Gardaí say that between 7 pm last night and 7 am on Saturday morning, they arrested 34 people.

However, a Garda spokesperson said the majority of those attending the event were very well-behaved.

A total of 24 people were arrested for public order offences.

Gardaí in patrol cars, bikes and motorbikes have launched a hi-visibility campaign to deter any disorder.

Gardaí from the Roads Policing Unit also arrested six drivers on suspicion of drink or drug driving last night.

Two others were arrested for criminal damage and another under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Gardaí say their operation will last until Monday with many officers based around Letterkenny, the focal point for the three day motor event.