Pictured: An Garda Síochána/PSNI staged road safety checkpoints at the Bridgend border crossing in Donegal on Monday 8th December.
Nine people have been arrested in Donegal during the first week of a dedicated road safety operation this Christmas.
Five of the arrested were drivers suspected of drink driving and four have been arrested on suspicion of drug driving.
Out of those nine drivers, three were already disqualified from driving.
Twenty-one vehicles have been seized in Donegal over the course of the past week for various reasons such as no insurance, no tax and no NCT.
Four of those seized were seized under section 109A of the Road Traffic Act 1961. An Garda Síochána can seize a vehicle which has been used, is being used, or is likely to be used in a dangerous manner in any place which may be dangerous to persons present (or likely to be present).
“This legislation is enforced regularly by Gardaí in Donegal in a bid to keep everyone safe on the roads,” said spokesperson Garda Grainne Doherty.
“In order to get your vehicle back, you must apply to the Judge of the District Court.”
Fines have also been issued for various offences such as speeding, driving on a learner permit while unaccompanied, the non-wearing of seatbelts and holding/using a mobile phone while driving.
“The Christmas period is one of the busiest on Irish roads,” said Gda Doherty. “It is also one of the periods during which road users are at the highest risk of being involved in a fatal or serious road traffic collision.
“We appeal to all those who will be taking to the roads over the Christmas period to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention.”
NINE arrests and 21 vehicles seized in Garda Christmas clampdown in Donegal was last modified: December 9th, 2025 by Rachel McLaughlin