Six drink-driving suspects were arrested over the weekend as part of a garda road safety clampdown in Portlaoise.
A garda spokesperson confirmed that over 60 checkpoints were manned over the weekend in and around Portlaoise as part of a national road safety campaign.
Some of those arrested could face prosecution, pending urine and blood analysis.
The arrests followed a high-profile campaign leading up to the bank holiday weekend.
This campaign reminded drivers that Gardaí would have Mandatory Intoxicant Testing Checkpoints in place at which they would be testing drivers for both alcohol and drugs at the roadside.
As part of this campaign, checkpoints were in place throughout the country over the May Bank Holiday Weekend.
Since April 13, Gardaí have new powers to conduct Preliminary Drug Tests.
This means Gardaí can test drivers for drugs, similar to breath testing. By taking a swab of a driver’s oral fluid, the presence of cannabis, cocaine, opiates (e.g. heroin, morphine) and benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium) can be detected.
In an unrelated incident, there was also a minor traffic accident at the Fairgreen Roundabout at approximately 6.30 am this morning (Monday).
The single vehicle accident occurred when the car struck the roundabout. No injuries were reported following the accident.
Burglary
Meanwhile, gardai are investigating a burglary of a house at Carrick Hill estate in Portlaoise between 1 and 2 pm on Friday, April 28 in which a number of items were stolen from the house.
Entry was gained to the house by a rear window.
Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious is asked to contact gardai in Portlaoise on 057 8674100.
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