MORE THAN 2,500 DRIVERS have been caught speeding since Thursday, as gardaí step up patrols ahead of St Patrick’s Day.

Two people died in separate collisions in Co Meath and Co Wicklow during the first 72 hours of a nationwide garda operation, bringing this year’s road toll to 36.

Over the same period, around 2550 were detected speeding by gardaí.

93 people were arrested for driving under the influence since Thursday, while more than 200 were caught using a phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

Some of the worst offenders included a driver clocked at 137 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on the N4 in Ballydowd, Lucan, Co Dublin, and another reaching 137 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the M7 near Naas, Co. Kildare.

Gardaí are urging drivers to slow down and to plan a safe way home if they are socialising over the holiday weekend.

“All drivers who are taking to the roads this weekend are reminded to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention,” a garda statement said.