4 people killed on Irish roads during St Patrick's weekend as Gardaí express 'great concern' over increase in deaths from 2018

Gardaí have expressed great concern after 4 people died on Irish roads during the Bank Holiday weekend bringing the total who have died so far this year to 39, which is 9 more than from the same period in 2018.

"This is of great concern to concern to An Garda Síochána, the RSA and all road safety stakeholders," An Garda Sicohana said in a statement released today.

In addition, there were 164 drivers arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving; 11 arrests were between 8am and 11am and 74 were on St. Patrick's Day itself.

Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said:“Four people tragically lost their lives on the roads this bank holiday weekend. It has been 4 years since this number of people lost their lives. Compared to this date last year, there are now 9 more people who have died on Irish roads. This is very concerning. We must all re-double our efforts to act responsibly and keep the roads safe. I appeal to every road user to concentrate 100% no matter how they use the roads. Mistakes cost lives”

Chief Superintendent Cleary added:“In advance of the bank holiday weekend, we widely advertised that we would be out on the roads around the country conducting checkpoints. My thanks go to all those who came through our checkpoints and were driving safely."

"There were however, many drivers who were not compliant. There were 164 drivers arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving in the 3-day period. 11 were the morning after, between 8am and 11am. 74 on St Patricks day itself. We will continue to target these irresponsible drivers who put themselves and all other road users at risk. We are committed to making the roads as safe as they should be," he said.

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