Kilkenny Gardaí defend 'unnecessary' checkpoints

An Garda Síochana in Kilkenny have defended early-morning checkpoints as they continue to combat drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Garda figures released last year show the highest number of drink or drug-drivers were traditionally caught on the Sunday of the Easter Bank-Holiday weekend, at a quarter of arrests.

Taking to social media, a Garda spokesperson said: "No one likes the morning commute and mandatory intoxicant checkpoints can further worsen this. Undoubtedly some people find this frustrating. But, when the person with Cocaine, Benzos, Cannabis and more collides with them causing injuries or worse it becomes 'why aren't the Gardai testing?'

"Unfortunately sometimes our job inconveniences people but it has to be done. People are still endangering themselves and others with an appalling attitude to road safety."

"Best advice, leave an extra few minutes for that trip," the Garda spokesperson concluded.