CLOSE TO 60 people have been arrested so far during the St Patrick’s weekend garda roads policing operation.

The St Patrick’s bank holiday weekend road safety campaign began at 7am on Thursday, 12 March and continue until 7am on Wednesday, 18 March.

Throughout this weekend’s roads policing operation, gardaí are conducting both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints.

So far, 56 people were arrested for driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Meanwhile, over 1,450 drivers have been detected for speeding offences during the first 48 hours of the operation.

Notable speeds detected yesterday included a motorist clocked at 85 km/h in a 50 zone in Co Cork, and another detected speeding at 124km/h in an 80 zone in Dundalk, Co Louth.

Elsewhere, a motorist was clocked at 138 km/h in a 100 zone on the N18 in Co Limerick.

Elsewhere, over 120 drivers were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

Gardaí have appealed to all road users to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Drivers and all other road users are also reminded to plan ahead and organise a safe way home if socialising over the coming days.

All drivers who are taking to the roads this weekend are also reminded to slow down, take extra care and to give their full attention when driving.