Sharp rise in December drink drive detections

GARDAÍ in Mayo report a sharp increase in the number of drink drive detections in the first 18 days of December compared to the same period last year.

As of this morning (Monday) there have been 16 detections compared to 11 for the same period last year.

This weekend alone saw eight detecfions, double the number (4) for the same period in 2016.

Two of the eight suspected drink drivers at the weekend were females.

Areas where there weekend suspected drink driver arrests included Newport, Ballina, Pontoon, Ballintubber and Attymass..

A garda spokesman described the increase in drink drive detections so far this December as significant. He said checkpoints will continue in all areas over Christmas and the new Year with early morning checkpoints also being mounted.