Monaghan and Cavan drivers caught speeding on first day of operation

One driver in Belturbet was clocked at 173 km/h on the first day of the bank holiday policing operation

TWO motorists in Cavan and Monaghan have made it in to An Garda Síochána's list of worst speeding offenders on day one of the May Bank Holiday roads policing operation.

The weekend operation started at 7am yesterday (Thursday) and will continue through to 7am on Tuesday, May 5.

Gardaí say that more than 580 drivers were detected for speeding offences during the first 24 hours of the operation.

One driver on the R188 at Drumbear , Co Monaghan was clocked at 80km /h in a 50 zone while in Belturbet, a motorist was detected speeding at 173 km/h in a 100 speed zone.

Throughout the weekend, Gardaí are conducting both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints.

To date, a total of 15 people were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs).

In the first 24 hours, nearly 50 drivers were detected holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

An Garda Síochána are urging all road-users to be extra vigilant over the bank holiday weekend.

Motorists are reminded to always drive within the speed limit. Always wear a seatbelt and never use a mobile phone when driving. Keep distractions out of the vehicle and put your full attention on the road.

"Walking home or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also put you and other road users at risk," a garda statement reads, "Cyclists and pedestrians should stay visible and observe their surroundings at all times."