Westmeath driver nabbed in first day of Garda Roads Policing Operation

Westmeath has the inauspicious honour of being one of the highlighted cases of speeding on the first day of the Garda Roads Policing Operation for the June Bank Holliday.

A motorist was clocked at 120km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R390, Walderstown, Westmeath.

The Garda Roads Policing Operation is taking place throughout the June bank holiday weekend from Thursday, May 28 until Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

During the first day of the operation on Thursday, May 28, there were no fatalities as a result of traffic collisions on our roads. The total number of fatalities on Irish roads to date this year is 69.

Throughout this weekend's Roads Policing Operation, Gardaí are conducting both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints.

To date, a total of 24 people were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs).

Just over 630 drivers were detected for speeding offences during the first day of the operation.

Notable speeds detected yesterday, Thursday 28th May 2026, include:

• 76km/h in a 50km/h zone on the R402 Edenderry, Co. Offaly

• 95km/h in a 60km/h zone on the Monaghan Road, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan

• 120km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R390, Walderstown, Co. Westmeath

• 121km/h in a 100km/h zone on N3, Belturbet, Co. Cavan

During this period, more than 100 drivers were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority are urging all road users to support their efforts to keep them and all others on the roads safe this June bank holiday weekend.

Each member of An Garda Síochána on duty this bank holiday weekend will be out conducting road traffic enforcement activity. Gardaí will be placing a particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this weekend. At no point is it safe or acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having an intoxicant such as alcohol or drugs.

An Garda Síochána is urging road users to be mindful of and take extra caution around vulnerable road users, in particular pedestrians and cyclists.

Motorists are reminded to always drive within the speed limit. Always wear a seatbelt and never use a mobile phone when driving. Keep distractions out of the vehicle and give your full attention to the road.

Walking home or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also put you and other road users at risk. Cyclists and pedestrians should stay visible and always observe their surroundings.