Drug-driving cases rose while testing checkpoints dropped in Ireland, sparking concern over road safety.

While drug driving cases increased significantly in several regions, mandatory intoxication testing checkpoints nationwide decreased 7.5% in Q3 2025 compared to the previous year, with notable declines in Louth, Kildare/Carlow, and Sligo/Leitrim. Road fatalities increased from 140 in 2019 to 185 in 2025, despite the fact that there were more Gardaí than in 2019. Citing an increase in drug-driving prosecutions, EU MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú voiced concern about the trend and demanded an explanation for the decreased testing and postponed implementation of penalty point increases during bank holidays.