Gardai out in force on Kilkenny’s roads ahead of Bank Holiday: region’s top cop

Gardai will be out in force on Kilkenny’s road in the countdown to the busy June Bank Holiday weekend.

The warning comes from the most senior Garda in the Eastern Region, which includes Kilkenny, made a personal appeal to local motorists to never drink under the influence of alcohol or drugs ahead of the Bank Holiday break.

Assistant Garda Commissioner Ann Cagney spoke out as latest figures show there has been 13 fatal road collisions in the region so far this year.

“It is vital that we maintain our effort and collaboration to reduce fatalities on our roads into the future, thereby reducing the grief and suffering inflicted on affected families, friends, and communities,” she said.

“With the gradual lifting of Public Health Travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we will begin to see extra traffic volumes on our roads.

“Over the June Bank Holiday weekend, in addition to proactively engaging with communities in response to Covid-19, An Garda Síochána will continue to place an emphasis on the enforcement of the key Lifesaver offences such as driving while intoxicated, speeding, non-use of seat belts and the use of mobile phones.”

Assistant Commissioner Cagney(pictured above)  said gardai across Wicklow will be performing high visibility patrols and checkpoints “in both urban and rural locations” over the coming weeks.

She added: “Remeber – never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Slow down, wear your seatbelt and don’t use you mobile phone while driving. I want to take this opportunity to wish everybody a very safe and enjoyable June Bank Holiday weekend.  Let us work together to make our roads safer.”