Every on-duty garda to enforce road laws over busy Easter period

Ahead of the busy Easter bank holiday weekend, An Garda Síochána is mounting a road safety campaign that will see every on-duty garda carry out road traffic enforcement duties.

With many people travelling over the weekend and bad weather forecast, gardaí are urging road users to take extra care, particularly around vulnerable road users such as pedestrians.

The campaign began at 7am this morning and will run until 7am on Tuesday, April 7.

Gardaí will place particular emphasis on detecting those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this weekend, and they warn that at no point is it safe to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming an intoxicant such as alcohol or drugs.

Walking or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also put individuals and other road users at risk.

Gardaí reiterated their appeal for extra caution around vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians.

In 2025, pedestrian road deaths increased by 24% compared to the previous year, while year-to-date figures for 2026 are currently in line with last year.

In 2025, the majority of the 41 pedestrian fatalities occurred on lower-speed roads with limits of 60km/h or less. More than a third of pedestrians were crossing the road at the time of the fatal collision.

One in four of the pedestrians killed last year were older people, while young people under the age of 25 accounted for 30% of pedestrians who were seriously injured in 2025.

Close to half of all pedestrians who died on Irish roads were killed between 4pm and midnight, while a quarter of pedestrians seriously injured sustained those injuries between 4pm and 7pm.

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

Cyclists and pedestrians should stay visible and observe their surroundings at all times.

Chief Superintendent David Harrington, head of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, said gardaí on duty this weekend will do all they can to ensure road users are safe and that those who break road traffic laws are detected.

“The issues on our roads at present require the attention of every single person. Every driver is responsible for their own driving behaviour – there is no excuse whatsoever to get behind the wheel of a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” he said.

“Keep your attention on the road - there is no valid reason to drive while distracted by your phone.

“We are seeing an increase in pedestrian deaths on our roads and we want to ensure all road users are kept safe. Pedestrians and motorists should be visible and alert to their surroundings. Eliminate distractions and make responsible decisions to ensure everyone gets home safe this weekend.” 

Seán Canney, minister of state at the Department of Transport, said he had one simple message for people using the roads this weekend.

“Nothing is more important on our roads than behaving responsibly to safeguard the lives of others.

“As drivers we must be mindful that we share the road with pedestrians and other vulnerable road users,” he said.

"In recent years we have seen an increase in the number of pedestrians tragically killed on our roads and I appeal to all road users but, in particular drivers, to behave responsibly and to make the right choices this Easter weekend.”