Irish roads are experiencing heightened enforcement today as Gardaí continue their Christmas safety campaign amid what is expected to be one of the busiest travel days of the year. As of this morning, 150 drivers have been detected speeding, including one motorist travelling at 119km/h in a 50km/h zone in Dublin.
Increased Enforcement and Rising Fatalities
Today marks National Slowdown Day, a 24-hour period dedicated to speed enforcement running until midnight. This initiative is part of a broader Christmas campaign aimed at reducing collisions and promoting safer driving. Gardaí have reported several instances of extreme speeding, including a vehicle clocked at almost 120km/h on the Drummartin Link Road in Sandyford, Dublin, and another travelling at 139km/h in a 60km/h zone on the Dublin Road in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow. A third driver was detected travelling at 120km/h in an 80km/h zone on the N52 in Mounthenry, Birr, Co Offaly.
The increased enforcement comes as transport networks prepare for peak capacity. Bus, rail, ferry, and air services are all anticipating high volumes of passengers as people travel home for the festive season. Public transport providers are advising passengers to pre-book where possible.
Concerns Over Driver Behavior
Superintendent Liam Geraghty of An Garda Síochána expressed deep concern over the rising number of road deaths, stating that 2025 is “already the most dangerous year on record for probably 10 years.” He also highlighted that over 175,000 fixed-charge notices have been issued for speeding this year alone. Superintendent Geraghty emphasized the need for drivers to hold each other accountable, stating, “We need to have those conversations now with people while they’re still alive.”
Alongside speeding, Gardaí are also seeing an increase in driving under the influence of intoxicants. 444 drivers have been arrested for driving while intoxicated so far in December, with 44-45% testing positive for drugs. Authorities note that the impact of drugs on driving ability can be longer-lasting than that of alcohol.
Over 5,500 checkpoints have been conducted across the country this December as part of the ongoing road safety campaign. Assistant Garda Commissioner Catharina Gunne and Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien have both appealed to drivers to prioritize safety and respect the lives of all road users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Slowdown Day?
National Slowdown Day is a 24-hour period of increased speed enforcement running until midnight tonight, as part of the Gardaí’s Christmas road safety campaign.
How many people have died on Irish roads this year?
So far this year, 186 people have lost their lives on Irish roads.
What are Gardaí saying about driver behavior?
Gardaí are concerned about the increase in both speeding and driving under the influence of intoxicants, particularly drugs, and are urging drivers to take personal responsibility and be mindful of other road users.
As families prepare to reunite for the holidays, will increased awareness and enforcement efforts be enough to curb dangerous driving behaviors and ensure safer roads for all this Christmas?