During the May Bank Holiday weekend, collisions resulted in one fatality and serious injuries for 10 others, as reported by the Gardaí. In comparison to the previous year, road accidents have seen a rise with 71 death cases in 2024, indicating an increase of 15 individuals.
The deceased, identified as Molly Dempsey, was a 15-year-old in Co Wicklow. She was a passenger in a vehicle that met with an accident at Slaney Park, Baltinglass, early Sunday morning. Friends and well-wishers have taken to social media to honour her, describing the joy and love she brought into their lives.
The male teenager, who was driving the car, was detained on potential Road Traffic Act violations and later released per the Criminal Justice Act 1984. As investigations are still underway, the Gardaí will present their findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In related news, the Gardaí also provided an overview of the outcomes from their focused traffic control operation during the Bank Holiday weekend. They caught over 900 drivers overspeeding in different areas, and notably, one motorist was driving at 127km/h in a 60km/h zone on the R188 near Doocassan, Co Cavan.
During the operation period, the Gardaí arrested 196 individuals for driving under the influence, which equates to roughly one arrest every hour. Around 1,090 MIT checkpoints were established during this time, leading to 5,349 roadside drug and alcohol tests being administered.
The Gardaí also reported additional road violations such as over 220 drivers fined for using mobile phones, over 100 fines issued for not wearing seatbelts, and 170 tickets for learner drivers without an accompanying licensed driver. Furthermore, 613 vehicles were seized for various road offences under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act.