Stark rise in drug driving cases brought before Limerick district court in 2025
In 2025, a total 97 drug driving prosecutions were brought before the Limerick district court between January and October
THE NUMBER of drug driving cases brought before Limerick district court have significantly increased in 2025, according to the latest figures from the Irish Courts’ Service.
In 2025, a total 97 drug driving prosecutions were brought before the Limerick district court between January and October. This marks an increase of 51 additional people brought before the Limerick district court on drug driving charges in ten months of 2025 in comparison to 2024’s figures (47 prosecutions).
Member of European Parliament Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has called for action to curb the escalating threat of drug driving.
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The MEP said: “We need an expanded roadside drug testing regime this Christmas period on our roads. We also need to consider policies whereby anyone convicted of drug driving is required to re-sit their driving test or, at minimum, complete a comprehensive driver re-education programme.”
Ní Mhurchú continued “They have to get the message that they are a danger to other innocent road users”.
The Ireland South MEP described the cases that do make it to the district court as being the “tip of the iceberg when it comes to drug driving”.
As of December 18, 2025, 181 people had lost their lives on Irish roads, making 17 more people than in 2024.
A drug driving offence can carry up to a €5,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment, as well as a driving disqualification.
Funded by the court reporting scheme.