Motorist arrested for speeding and driving under the influence in the West

Since An Garda Síochána's Slow Down Day operation commenced at 7am on Monday, 2nd September 2024, 665 drivers have been detected speeding on the roads. A total of 157,298 vehicles were checked during that time.

Although the vast majority of drivers were found to be driving within the speed limits, there were some alarming detections.

In Tullamore, Co.Offaly a vehicle was detected travelling at 136km/h in a 50km/h zone. The driver was arrested for dangerous driving and charged by Gardaí.

A vehicle was detected travelling at 162 km/h in a 100km/h zone in Oranmore, Co.Galway at 7.10pm on Monday evening. The driver was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and appeared before Tullamore District Court earlier today.

Commenting on the operation, Chief Superintendent in the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, Jane Humphries said, "As an initiative, National Slow Down Day is about making Irish roads safer for all who use them.

"The reality is that excessive and inappropriate speed continues to contribute to serious road traffic collisions that cause life-altering injuries and even fatality.

"It’s positive that yesterday’s detections indicate that motorists are generally making an effort to comply with speed limits around the country, however, it is the poor action and the risks taken by few that can be most detrimental.

"While the vast majority of drivers drive safely within the speed limits, and it is most welcome, there still remain those who continue to drive at excessive speeds. We will maintain our focus on non-compliant drivers as they pose a risk to themselves and other road users".