Donegal Garda believes drug-related issues may be linked to increase in assaults

Donegal had six drink driving and a further 10 drug driving arrests over the weekend.

Garda Niall Maguire said the increase in the number of drug-driving arrests is a concern in particular and believes there may be a link to knock-on effects.

Throughout the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, an extensive Garda Roads Policing Operation was in place between 7am on Thursday, April 17, to Tuesday, April 22, at 7am.

“It’s concerning that the amount of drug-driving is increasing exponentially,” Garda Maguire said. “There were other detections for things like no seatbelts, no tax, no insurance, dangerous driving, bald tires and several other arrests with vehicles seized.
“The first message is that we had no fatal road traffic collisions over the weekend, which is always a bonus. There have been a number around the country, but thank goodness none here.

Nationally, there were three fatalities on Irish roads during this period, and 11 serious collisions took place that resulted in 12 people receiving serious and life-threatening injuries.

READ NEXT: Man left in a serious condition in hospital after incident in Letterkenny

Over this Bank Holiday period, An Garda Síochána carried out more than 912 Mandatory Intoxicant Testing checkpoints. Over 4,500 breath tests and 213 oral fluid tests were performed, which led to 149 arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Over 2800 drivers were detected for speeding offences.

“The main aim of these campaigns is the protection of vulnerable road users and protecting people from themselves," Garda Mahuire added. "We appeal to all drivers never to drive under the influence of drink or drugs. It’s a reflection of society. It’s not just a danger on the road. There may be an association with the increase in assaults. Drugs lead to very high levels of aggression."