Man admits being over alcohol limit while picking daughter up from school

A man who was found to be in excess of the legal alcohol limit outside a Bundoran primary school has been disqualified from holding a licence for three years. 

Aidan Fergus, 55, of The Rock Road, Ardfarna, Bundoran, was before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday. He pleaded guilty to the charge of intent to drive a vehicle while exceeding the legal alcohol limit. 

Inspector Cora Earley told the court that Garda Hussey was on mobile patrol in the vicinity of St Macartan’s NS in Bundoran. He spoke to Fergus, who was parked outside the school with the keys in the ignition. 

“He said he was there to pick up his daughter,” said Inspector Earley.

The garda noticed a strong smell of alcohol. Fergus was subsequently breathalysed and was found to have an alcohol reading of 96 mcg per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 22 mcg.

The inspector told the court that the defendant had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Frank Dorrian said his client pleaded guilty to the offence. He suffered from alcohol addiction and had taken significant steps to address his addiction. 

Mr Dorrian asked that the inevitable disqualification be postponed as his client was a carer. 

Judge Adrian Harris imposed a three-year disqualification from holding a licence and a fine of €200. The ban takes effect from January 2, 2024.