Donegal had the fifth highest drink-driving detection rate in the country last year.
A total of 59 drivers per 1,000 were caught in Donegal in 2014.
However, Donegal had the lowest rate of detections for drugs is in Donegal, at 0.27 per 1,000 motorists.
The Irish Independent reports the highest rate of detections for drink-driving is in Monaghan, where 98 drivers per 1,000 have been caught, which is almost twice the national average.
It is followed by Cavan, where 84 per 1,000 motorists have been detected; Louth (67 per 1,000), Westmeath (66 per 1,000) and Donegal (59 per 1,000).
The lowest rate is in Roscommon, where 32 per 1,000 drivers have been caught.
In terms of overall numbers, most detections have been made in Blanchardstown in Dublin, with 3,013 in the period analysed. Stations in Galway, Louth, Limerick, Waterford, Kerry, Kilkenny and Kildare also feature in the 10 busiest.
For drugs, some 3,915 motorists have been recorded as being under the influence – or 1.5 per 1,000 population.
But the detection rate is highest in Offaly, where 3.6 motorists per 1,000 drivers are recorded. It is followed by Westmeath (3.2), Tipperary (2.7), Laois (2.6) and Limerick (2.6).
The highest number of detections for drugs is in Ballyfermot in Dublin, with 104. Stations in Limerick, Westmeath and Offaly also feature in the top 10 busiest.
The figures outline the extent of the dangers facing law-abiding motorists on the roads, but also the difficulty for gardai in policing some 100,000kms of network.
Gardai have carried out 365,000 roadside breath tests so far this year, and mounted 65,000 checkpoints. More than 7,100 motorists have been detected driving while intoxicated.
But the problem is believed to be worse than the official figures indicate, as many drivers are never caught.
Research from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and HSE suggests that alcohol plays a part in 37pc of fatal crashes, with drugs believed to be a factor in as many as 10pc.
Also, a review of road traffic deaths in Kildare involving drivers of cars, vans and motorcycles between 1998 and 2009 shows that one in 10 drivers (9.8pc) killed had a positive toxicology result for drugs.
The analysis was carried out by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, which analyses blood and urine samples taken from motorists suspected of driving under the influence.
The lack of transport in many rural areas is cited as a factor in higher drink and drug driving rates. Spokesman with Irish Rural Link, James Claffey, said local hackney licences should be issued to help provide transport services, along with additional public buses and incentives for publicans who want to invest in transport.
“There simply isn’t the transport there in terms of taxis. If you’re planning on going out, you have to plan days in advance to get home,” he said.
“We would look for more initiatives like the local hackney licence which gives reduced rates to local people trying to start up, and for more support.
“The reason for the statistics is the lack of public transport. There is demand for buses home from pubs, and there probably should be some initiative there to help road safety.
“It’s at a level now where drink driving is not tolerated, as it shouldn’t be, but people are taking a risk and that just cannot continue.”
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