Road-users and motorists are being urged to act responsibly and make safe decisions on St Patrick’s Day and over the coming weekend.
The appeal from gardaí comes ahead of a busy few days of festivities around the county.
The Garda Roads Policing Unit will be out in force along different routes around the county on St. Patrick’s Day.
They will maintain a visible presence on roads and in towns, with checkpoints planned and speed checks in operation and that presence will continue through until 7am next Tuesday, March 21st.
Garda spokesperson, Garda Grainne Doherty, said the last thing anyone wants is a tragedy on our roads.
“St Patrick’s Day is an extremely busy day for gardaí both on the streets in relation to public order issues, and out on the roads as well,” she said.
“We are urging all road users to act responsibly, make responsible safety decisions on St Patrick’s Day and over the course of the weekend
“The last thing anyone wants is a tragedy. We are asking people to make safe decisions.
“Our priority is to keep people safe. We want to prevent deaths and injury on our roads so we are also appealing to those who will be out socialising and will be consuming alcohol, to leave their car at home. Designate a driver or arrange a taxi in advance.”
The biggest parade on St. Patrick’s Day will be held in Letterkenny and Garda Doherty also confirmed that Port Road and Main Street, from the Station Roundabout down to the old Dunnes Stores, will be closed off to all traffic between 1pm and 5pm on St. Patrick’s Day.