Mayo garda concerns over rise in 'a reckless culture'

Driving under the influence of drugs is now a growing problem in Mayo with cannabis and cocaine abuse increasingly showing up among samples taken from motorists at garda checkpoints.

A total of 38 detections were recorded during 2019, almost doubling the figure of 20 in the previous year.

Gardaí across the county have been deploying new roadside drug-detection equipment since April 2017.

Other drugs which are showing up in analyses include benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and flurazepam, opioids like as heroin and codeine, and stimulants.

In a roadside test conducted in the town of Ballina as recently as January 1 last, a driver tested positive for cocaine.

There have been general warnings to motorists in regard to the misuse of over-the-counter medication which contains codeine and paracetamol.

A senior garda officer told The Connaught Telegraph it is unclear at this point whether the rise in drug-driving detections is due to increased testing or as a result of a rise in drug use.

However Superintendent Joe McKenna said, either way, the trend is very worrying and one that the force is monitoring very closely due to the implications for road safety.

“The matter is very much on our radar and will continue to be so. Motorists are reminded to never drive under the influence of drink or drugs.”

An independent member of Mayo County Council, Councillor Christy Hyland, said the rise in detections reflected the increased use of illegal drugs in society.

“I have been highlighting this issue for a very long time and it's horrible to think that motorists are still getting behind the wheel of a car when they are not fit to do so.

“This reckless culture is contributing to the consistently high number of deaths on our roads on a monthly and yearly basis. I shudder when I think about it.”

Councillor Hyland welcomed the recent roll-out of a new Mayo garda drugs force with additional resources.

“But I am still of the view that it is not getting the full level of resources it needs to tackle what has become a huge illegal drugs problem in this county.

“I hope it is not a case that the proverbial horse had already bolted before the stable door was shut.”