'Don't drink and drive' - Irish drivers urged to 'be responsible' over St Patrick's Day weekend

As people across Ireland prepare to celebrate our national holiday, motorists are being urged to plan ahead and never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs this St. Patrick’s Bank Holiday.

An Garda Síochána will be carrying out an enhanced roads policing enforcement campaign over the Bank Holiday weekend from 7am Thursday 12 March 2026 to 7am on Wednesday 18 March 2026.

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One in four road deaths in Europe are estimated to be alcohol related. The most recent RSA Driver Attitudes and Behaviour Survey (2025) highlights concerning findings in relation to drink-driving in Ireland.

More than one in 10 (12%) drivers admitted they had driven after consuming alcohol in the previous 12 months. A quarter of motorists felt it was acceptable to drive a short distance in their local area after drinking alcohol, while 23% said there were times they may have been over the legal limit when driving the morning after a night out.

International research indicates that drivers with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) between 50-80mg alcohol per 100ml blood are between 5-10 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision.

In addition, analysis of coronial data by the RSA shows that more than one third (35%) of driver fatalities (2016-2020) where a toxicology result was available tested positive for alcohol.

With thousands of people expected to take part in parades, events and celebrations across the country in the run up to St Patrick’s Day, road users are being urged to make safe travel plans in advance.

Anyone intending to socialise and drink alcohol is advised to leave the car at home and organise a safe way home, such as arranging a designated driver, pre-booking a taxi, using public transport where available, or securing a lift from someone who will not be drinking.

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Jerry Buttimer TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, said:

“St. Patrick’s Day is our national day of celebration. It is a time for us to come together to celebrate the best of Ireland and the best of our local communities.

“However, we must all take responsibility and behave properly on our roads. It is never acceptable to drink or take drugs, and drive. We cannot put others’ lives, or our own lives at risk when driving. Where we see such behaviour, we must challenge it and call it out. I urge people to enjoy yourselves but also remember to make the right decisions.

“Don’t drink and drive, leave the car at home, make alternative travel plans. Please do not speed or use the phone while driving. Don’t be responsible for bringing devastation to your family, friends, and community.”

Michael Rowland, Director of Research, Standards and Assurance at the RSA, said: “St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration, but alcohol and driving must never mix. Every year we see the devastating consequences when someone gets behind the wheel after drinking.

“We are urging everyone to plan ahead - leave the car at home if you are drinking, organise a lift, and make sure you and your friends get home safely. We also want to remind pedestrians and cyclists that travelling while under the influence of alcohol increases their risk on the road.”

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Assistant Commissioner Catharina Gunne, Roads Policing, stated:

“St Patrick’s Weekend is a time of celebration, but it must not be a time of tragedy. Drink and drug driving remain among the leading causes of death and serious injury on Irish roads. Our message is simple: if you are under the influence of an intoxicant do not drive. The risk is never worth it.”

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Assistant Commissioner Gunne added:

“We want everyone to enjoy the festivities safely. Plan your night out. Use public transport, taxis, or designated drivers. Look out for friends and family. One poor decision behind the wheel can have devastating consequences for multiple lives.”

Provisional analysis by An Garda Síochána of drivers arrested for ‘driving under the Influence’ of alcohol or drugs in 2025 show that 86% were male, 14% female.

In terms of ages of drivers 29% were 21 - 30 years; 29% were 31 – 40 years of age; 7% were under-21; 20% were 41 – 50; 10% were 51 – 60 years of age; and 5% were 61+ years of age.

53% of arrests occurred between Friday and Sunday. 63% of arrests occurred between the hours of 6pm and 3am throughout the week.

An Garda Síochána will conduct a dedicated Roads Policing Operation over the St. Patrick’s Bank Holiday, targeting drink and drug driving as well as other dangerous behaviours.

This year to date, 36 people have tragically lost their lives in fatal road traffic collisions in Ireland. Road safety must be prioritised to prevent further loss of life and serious injuries on our roads.