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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Cormac O'Shea

Sniffer dogs join officers as pictures of major garda checkpoints emerge

Sniffer dogs have been deployed at some checkpoints across the country as gardai clamp down on road offences over the bank holiday weekend.

Gardai in Killarney conducted a checkpoint on the N22 on Saturday with the Roads Policing Unit and Garda Dog Unit.

MIT checkpoints checking drink and drug offences are also being ramped up across Ireland with four intoxicated drivers arrested at one stop in Louth on Friday.

A garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí will be conducting checkpoints throughout the weekend enforcing intoxicated driving offences, drug detections, speed offences and other road traffic legislation."

Officers are also warning motorists to be mindful of motorcyclists this weekend with the death rate in Ireland alarmingly high.

Garda Adrian Corcoran, DMR Roads Policing Unit, Dublin Castle, said: "As a Garda motorcyclist and a motorcycle enthusiast I know how enjoyable riding a motorcycle can be.

“I also know how vulnerable we are on the road. Motorcycling is challenging and it requires very high levels of knowledge, skill, and understanding.

“A good motorcycle rider needs to have a healthy respect for the motorcycle they are riding and a socially responsible attitude when using the roads.

“As motorcyclists we should also ensure we are equipped with the correct PPE and ride with dipped headlights on, to increase visibility.

“Unfortunately, motorcyclists are overly represented in the road death statistics. In addition, our detection figures show that half of the top speed detections are motorcyclists, with many travelling in excess of 160km/h.

“It is also extremely important to show restraint by reducing speed, and never, ever ride a motorcycle under the influence of an intoxicant.”

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