‘Install alcohol/drug interlocks in cars of convicted drivers’ says European election candidate
FIANNA Fail European election candidate Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has backed calls to install alcohol interlocks on the cars of repeat drink and drug drivers in Limerick.
These are automatic control systems which are designed to prevent people with excess alcohol or drugs in their system from driving.
Before the ignition of a vehicle can be started, they are required to blow into a breathlyser.
The European Transport Safety Council has made the call for the measure to be introduced for people who have been convicted more than once of drink or drug driving.
And it’s something Ms Ni Mhurchú said she supports.
She pointed to the fact that garda breath tests had fallen by 54% in 2023, something she described as “shocking”.
“If you are not testing people, you cannot catch the people who are driving whilst under the influence of drug and drink.
“I am calling on the garda commissioner to step up testing immediately in Limerick. At a time when road deaths are out of control, it is really important that we see a garda presence on our roads,” said Ms Ni Mhurchú.
In terms of meeting the bill for these measures, she feels the cost should be borne by those convicted of drink or drug driving.
Judges, she argued, should take this into account when it comes to sentencing. Ireland can learn a lot from other EU nations, she added.