Uninsured Gortahork driver avoids ban as court hears of water supply issue for animals

A west Donegal man caught driving without insurance has avoided a driving ban after a judge heard there was an issue with a water supply used for his animals.

The case of Michael Martin McGee was before Falcarragh District Court.

McGee, a 51-year-old with an address at Magheraoarty, Gortahork, was charged with driving without insurance, a charge contrite to section 56 (1) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961.

Garda Darragh Heaney told the court that he stopped McGee driving a mechanically propelled vehicle on May 9, 2025 at 7.40pm at Magheraoarty, Gortahork. McGee was instructed to produce his insurance or a certificate of exemption to a Garda station, but he did not do so.

Mr Frank Dorrian, solicitor for McGee, said his client was “completing a short errand” on the evening in question.

“This gentleman habitually lives in England and he got a call about a problem with the water supply to his land and his animals weren’t getting water,” Mr Dorrian said.

“He picked up a jeep, which was the only vehicle available at the time. He was driving to a field in a rural area. He immediately dealt with the insurance company once the problem arose. He immediately put matters right.”

Inspector Seamus McGonigle confirmed that McGee has no previous convictions.

Mr Dorrian added that his client works in construction in England.

Judge Emile Daly said that if McGee is in Ireland and needs to get around by driving then he needs to be insured.

Taking into account the plea made on behalf of McGee, Judge Daly fined the defendant €500 and allowed four months to pay. Judge Daly applied her discretion and did not disqualify McGee from driving.