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Since the commencement of the National Slow Down Day operation at 7 am on Monday, 2nd September 2024, Gardaí have detected 665 drivers exceeding the speed limit across the country. During this 24-hour operation, a total of 157,298 vehicles were checked for compliance with speed regulations.

While the majority of motorists adhered to speed limits, there were several concerning instances of excessive speed detected. In Tullamore, Co. Offaly, a vehicle was recorded travelling at 136 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, resulting in the driver’s arrest and subsequent charge for dangerous driving.

Another notable case involved a vehicle travelling at 162 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in Oranmore, Co. Galway. The driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested. He appeared before Tullamore District Court earlier today.

Additional examples of high speeds recorded during the operation include:

• 78 km/h in a 50 km/h zone on the Leopardstown Road, Dublin 18.
• 90 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on the N20, Baltydaniel West, Mallow, Cork.
• 89 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on the N4, Drishoge, Carrick-On-Shannon, Roscommon.
• 116 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on the N17, Tobertelly, Achonry, Sligo.
• 141 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the N4, Greatdown, The Downs, Westmeath.
• 140 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the N3, Drumbarlom, Belturbet, Cavan.
• 177 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the M6, Killavally, Tyrrellspass, Westmeath.
• 131 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the N18, Ballinacurra (Weston), Limerick.
• 98 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on the N78, Muckalee, Ballyfoyle, Kilkenny.
• 122 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the N71, Ballynagrumoolia, Waterfall, Cork.

Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries

, from the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, commented on the operation:

“As an initiative, National Slow Down Day is about making Irish roads safer for all who use them. The reality is that excessive and inappropriate speed continues to contribute to serious road traffic collisions that cause life-altering injuries and even fatalities. It’s positive that yesterday’s detections indicate that motorists are generally making an effort to comply with speed limits around the country. However, it is the poor action and the risks taken by few that can be most detrimental.”

She further emphasised the importance of continued vigilance:

“While the vast majority of drivers drive safely within the speed limits, and it is most welcome, there still remain those who continue to drive at excessive speeds. We will maintain our focus on non-compliant drivers as they pose a risk to themselves and other road users.”

To date, 127 people have tragically lost their lives on Irish roads in 2024. An Garda Síochána remains committed to ongoing monitoring and conducting checkpoints nationwide, utilising technology to detect speeding drivers. The public is urged to slow down and prioritise safety on the roads every day.