Gardaí have launched a policing operation in Letterkenny this weekend to monitor a large number of car enthusiasts that have arrived in town.
Unofficial car events and long traffic delays have been reported in and around Letterkenny this evening.
A suspected drug driver was arrested on the outskirts of the town earlier after testing positive for cannabis while attending a car event. Letterkenny District Drugs Unit were assisted by Buncrana Roads Policing Unit in the detection. The driver is now set to appear in court at a later date.
Meanwhile, a local business has has been forced to stop food deliveries due to the delays on the Port Road.
High visibility garda patrols, speed checks and checkpoints will be carried out in the area throughout the weekend.
Gardaí took to Facebook to remind road users to adhere to the law and not to attend events or gatherings. The authorities made clear that gatherings are in no way associated with the official Donegal International Rally.
A statement said: “This weekend is traditionally the weekend of the Donegal International Rally. We are aware that even though the Rally has been cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions, a small number of events have been arranged.
“There is a high visibility policing operation in place this weekend within the Letterkenny District. There are additional high visibility patrols, speed checks and checkpoints.
“There is as always, a zero tolerance policy in relation to dangerous driving, drink/drug driving, speeding and any bad driving behaviour in general.
“We continue to encourage everyone to adhere to all of the public health guidelines and not to gather in groups and to avoid crowded areas.”