Mandatory Alcohol Testing Checkpoints –
Operation Surround 20th April 2014
As part of the Easter Bank Holiday Road Safety campaign, An Garda Síochána will conduct a number of MAT (Mandatory Alcohol Testing) checkpoints overnight on a National co-ordinated basis.
The emphasis of these checkpoints is to target and intercept intoxicated drivers through the use of Mandatory Alcohol Testing, by surrounding specific locations in each Garda Region.
A number of checkpoints will be established effectively surrounding the nominated town. As example Midleton District
· MAT 1- Lakeview, Castleredmond, Midleton
· MAT 2- Dungourney Rd, (in vicinity of Irish Distillers), Midleton
· MAT 3- Relief Road, Knockgriffin.
Checkpoints will be established simultaneously nationwide
Please see attached schedule of locations below.
Separate one hour MAT checkpoints will occur simultaneously between 00.30hrs and 01.30hrs on the 20th April in various locations around the country.
Assistant Commissioner John Twomey, Garda National Traffic Bureau, added:
"In the first three months of the year, a total of 1,926 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving. The vast majority of drivers act responsibly and don’t mix driving with drinking alcohol. However nearly 2,000 drivers so far this year have behaved in a totally irresponsible manner. Drink driving is totally unacceptable and we will continue to intensively target these selfish drivers who think that it won’t affect their, or others safety on the road. All members of An Garda Síochána are out all around the country, day and night, targeting intoxicated driving.”
Assistant Commissioner Twomey continued:-
"Even if you don’t meet a checkpoint, you could still be breath tested if you run a red light, enter a bus lane, speed, or if you’re involved in a road traffic collision. Never take the chance, it could prove very costly…the least of which are penalty points, a fine or the loss of your licence. If you’re drinking alcohol, forget about driving.
The Mandatory Alcohol Checkpoints involve Traffic Units and Regular Units from each Garda Division.
Assistant Commissioner Twomey reminded those celebrating this week end to allow adequate time before driving again.
See the Morning After campaign page on drinkaware.ie. This page explains the definition of standard drink and the length of time it takes the body to eliminate it.
http://www.drinkaware.ie/hints-tips/the-morning-after-time-is-the-only-cure/
A Garda spokesperson will be available on Sunday morning (20th April 2014 between 10 am and 12 mid day) to facilitate interviews by phone to local broadcast media. To request an interview please email pressoffice@garda.ie providing contact details and areas of interest.
Note to editor
Images from the checkpoints will be available to the media on request from the Garda Press Office on Sunday morning at the following email address: Pressoffice@Garda.ie
The operation will be highlighted on the Garda Twitter account @gardatraffic
Date
Time
Division
Location
20 April
00.30hrs to 01.30hrs
Cork North Division
Midleton District
· MAT 1- Lakeview, Castleredmond, Midleton
· MAT 2- Dungourney Rd, (in vicinity of Irish Distillers), Midleton
· MAT 3- Relief Road, Knockgriffin.
Cork City
MAT 1 – Sallybrook.
MAT 2 – New Inn
MAT 3 – Lower Glanmire Rd
Clare Division Shannon Town
Clonmoney West (Hurlers Cross)
Smithstown
Ballymurtagh
Roscommon / Longford Division
Battery Road,
Longford Knockahaw,
Longford
Farneyhoogan,
Longford
Dublin
Howth
· MAT 1-Howth Road, Howth Road( Beside Beshoff motors )
· MAT 2-Greenfield Road, (Junction of Church Rd and Strand Road).
· MAT 3-ThormanBy Road, Howth
· MAT 4- The Summit
Dublin
Crumlin
· MAT 1- Cromwellsfort Road.
· MAT 2- St. Agnes Road.
· MAT 3- Whitehall Road West.
MAT 4- Kimmage Road West.
Donegal Town
Drumrooske,
Glebe,
Ardeskin,
Sligo
Ballytivnan
Carraroe Roe
Donegal Road
Cavan
Fortunes Corner
Farnham St
Townspark
Drogheda
Clogherhead Main Street
Chapel Street
Harbour road
Cork North Division
Midleton
· MAT 1- Lakeview, Castleredmond, Midleton
· MAT 2- Dungourney Rd, (in vicinity of Irish Distillers), Midleton
· MAT 3- Relief Road, Knockgriffin.
Kilkenny City
Various locations to be confirmed
Clonmel
Various locations to be confirmed
