Five intoxicated drivers arrested in Laois over weekend 

FIVE intoxicated drivers were arrested in Laois over the weekend, during the first week of the Christmas Road Safety Campaign.

Gardaí said tonight that all five were arrested in the county for driving under the influence of an intoxicant, over the weekend alone.

The number of local checkpoints has increased in the run-up to Christmas, as part of the national campaign.

In a social media post tonight, Laois-Offaly gardaí said: ‘There is no warning, no second chance, and no excuse that works at the roadside.’ 

They urged people to leave the car at home, plan a lift or get a taxi.

They said: ‘High-visibility garda checkpoints are active nationwide throughout the Christmas period. Make it home, not to a cell or a courtroom.’ 

According to gardaí, 1,750 checkpoints were conducted nationwide during the first week of the campaign, with 118 people arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.