LATEST: Kildare drivers are worst in country for mobile phone use

Kildare has seen a sharp spike in drivers caught using mobile phones, prompting calls for tougher enforcement.

Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú issued a stark warning to motorists ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend, urging them to “put down the phone” after new figures revealed a worrying increase in mobile phone use while driving — with Kildare among the worst-affected counties.

According to Garda data, Kildare recorded a 47% increase in the number of fixed charge notices issued to drivers caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel between the final quarters of 2023 and 2024.

The number of offences jumped from 348 to 511 - the highest figure in the data provided by the MEP.

“These figures are deeply concerning,” said Ní Mhurchú. “Drivers in some areas are simply not getting the message — using a phone while driving is dangerous and illegal.”

Dublin saw the highest increases nationally, with the Dublin East Garda division reporting a staggering 237% year-on-year rise. However, Kildare’s 47% jump places it ahead of other large counties like Cork (25%) and Galway (21%).

Ní Mhurchú welcomed falling figures in several rural counties but said that more needs to be done in hotspots like Kildare. She has called for greater deployment of unmarked Garda trucks that give officers a higher vantage point to catch offenders in the act.

ALSO READ: Woman stole €1k worth of goods from Kildare supermarkets.

She also proposed offering discounted insurance policies to drivers who install technology that blocks mobile phone use while driving.

The penalty is €120 and three penalty points.

Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority are urging all drivers to stay alert and drive phone-free this bank holiday.