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14 Mar 2026

Gardaí nab Louth motorist in policing operation

A Garda Roads Policing Operation is taking place throughout the St Patrick’s Bank Holiday Weekend

Gardaí nab Louth motorist in policing operation

A Garda Roads Policing Operation is taking place throughout the St Patrick’s Bank Holiday Weekend

Reporter:

Reporter

13 Mar 2026 8:30 PM

A motorist on the N53 at Hackballscross in north Louth was among 500 drivers detected for speeding offences during the first 24 hours  of a Garda Roads Policing Operation taking place throughout the St Patrick’s Bank Holiday Weekend.
The garda operation, began at 7:00am on Thursday 12th March, and is running until 7:00am on Wednesday 18th March 2026.

During the first day of the operation between 7:00am on Thursday 12th March until 7:00am today, 13th March, there was one  fatality as a result of traffic collisions on our roads. This brings the total number of fatalities on Irish roads this year to 35.
 
Throughout this weekend's Roads Policing Operation, Gardaí say they are conducting both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints. To date, a total of 22 people were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs).
 
In excess of 500 drivers were detected for speeding offences during the first 24 hours of the operation. Notable speeds detected yesterday, Thursday 12th March 2026 include:
 
• 82 km/h in a 50km/hr zone on the Davitt Road, Dublin 12
• 124 km/h in a 60km/hr zone on the R147 in Piercetown, Dunboyne, Co. Meath
• 108 km/h in a 80km/hr zone on the N2 in Drumcaw, Co. Monaghan
• 119 km/h in a 100km/hr zone on the N53 in Barronstown, Hackballscross, Co. Louth

During this period, over 40 drivers were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.
 
An Garda Síochána is appealing to all road users to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drivers and all other road users are being reminded to plan ahead and organise a safe way home if socialising over the coming days.
 
All drivers who are taking to the roads this weekend are reminded to slow down, and An Garda Síochána is urging people to take extra care and to give their driving their full attention.

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