|
|
Motorist Detected Travelling at Dangerous Speeds During Bank Holiday Garda Operation.
A motorist in Tipperary was detected travelling at 158 km/h in an 80 km/h Zone yesterday.
An Garda Síochána has confirmed that a motorist was detected travelling at excessive speed as part of the ongoing Bank Holiday Roads Policing Operation in Co. Tipperary.
The incident occurred yesterday Sunday May 3rd, on the R498 at Inch, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, where the driver was recorded travelling at 158km/h in an 80km/h zone, almost double the legal speed limit.
Gardaí have reiterated that such levels of speeding significantly increase the risk of serious or fatal collisions and will be dealt with robustly under road traffic legislation.
Under current regulations, motorists detected speeding face a fixed charge fine and penalty points. However, cases involving extreme speeds may be referred to the courts, where higher penalties, including increased fines, additional penalty points, and potential driving disqualification, may apply.
The detection forms part of a nationwide Garda operation aimed at improving road safety over the busy bank holiday period. Authorities continue to urge all road users to slow down, remain alert, and comply with speed limits at all times.
An Garda Síochána has stated that enforcement activity will remain heightened throughout the holiday period.
An Garda Síochána has confirmed that more than 200 drivers have been detected either using a mobile phone while driving or failing to wear a seatbelt since the commencement of the May Bank Holiday Roads Policing Operation last Thursday.
As part of the ongoing nationwide enforcement campaign, 77 individuals have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The operation, which began at 7:00am on Thursday and will continue until Tuesday morning, includes high-visibility checkpoints and mandatory intoxicant testing aimed at improving road safety.
To date, over 1,700 motorists have been caught speeding, marking a notable increase in offences compared to earlier figures released during the weekend. Gardaí have reiterated that speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence remain key factors contributing to serious collisions and fatalities on Irish roads.
Despite the high number of detections and arrests, no road deaths have been recorded over the course of the bank holiday weekend so far. However, Gardaí have confirmed that 55 people have lost their lives on Irish roads since the beginning of the year, underlining the continued risks faced by all road users.
Gardaí have emphasised that enforcement efforts will remain focused on identifying drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs, warning that it is never safe or acceptable to drive after consuming intoxicants. The public has also been reminded that road safety is a shared responsibility, with particular attention urged around vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
Motorists are being advised to adhere to speed limits at all times, wear seatbelts, and avoid using mobile phones while driving. Gardaí have further cautioned that distractions inside vehicles can significantly increase the risk of collisions and have urged drivers to remain fully focused on the road.
In addition, pedestrians and cyclists have been encouraged to take precautions, including remaining visible and alert, particularly during busy periods. Gardaí have also highlighted the dangers associated with walking or cycling while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, noting that such behaviour can pose serious risks to both individuals and others on the road.
The Roads Policing Operation will continue through the remainder of the bank holiday period, with Gardaí maintaining a strong presence nationwide to promote safer road use and prevent further loss of life.
A series of public online auctions involving gold assets seized during criminal investigations has successfully generated more than €1.8 million for the State, authorities have confirmed.
The auctions were conducted following extensive operations led by An Garda Síochána, specifically targeting proceeds linked to drug trafficking and money laundering activities uncovered by the Dublin Crime Response Team.
In total, approximately 18.8 kilograms of gold bullion were sold across four separate auction events, raising a combined €1,803,810. The initiative forms part of ongoing law enforcement strategies aimed at dismantling organised crime networks by confiscating and repurposing illicit assets.
The auctions, which began earlier this year and were facilitated by Wilsons Auctions, were accessible to members of the public, ensuring transparency throughout the disposal process. Individual auction rounds generated significant returns, with proceeds of €456,395, €500,430, €438,265, and €408,720 respectively.
Officials emphasised that reclaiming criminal proceeds is a critical component of disrupting illegal operations. Detective Inspector Ken Holohan of the Dublin Metropolitan Region highlighted that redirecting such funds to the State not only removes financial incentives for crime but also reinforces public trust in the justice system.
All net proceeds from the auctions will be transferred to the national Exchequer, reinforcing State resources and underscoring a continued commitment to combating organised criminal activity.
A total of 193 new members of An Garda Síochána were formally sworn in today Friday, May 1st 2026, marking another significant step in the ongoing expansion of Ireland’s police force. The attestation ceremony took place at the Garda College in Templemore, County Tipperary, where all Garda recruits undergo their initial training before entering operational service.
The newly attested class consists of 134 men and 59 women, reflecting continued recruitment efforts aimed at strengthening frontline policing nationwide. Following their ceremony, the recruits officially became probationer Gardaí and are now being deployed to communities across the country. This group brings the total number of sworn Garda members to 14,661, highlighting a steady increase in personnel since recruitment resumed in recent years.
As expected, the largest allocation of new Gardaí has been directed toward the crime ridden Dublin Metropolitan Region, with 141 officers assigned there to support high-demand urban policing. Much smaller numbers have been distributed to other regions, including the Eastern, Southern, and North Western divisions, ensuring a minor nationwide boost in policing visibility and response capacity.
For counties such as Tipperary, the impact of this intake is modest but still important. While only a small number of new Gardaí will be assigned to the wider Southern Region, they are likely to be placed in key operational hubs such as Thurles, Templemore, Clonmel, or Nenagh. These larger stations serve as central bases for policing surrounding rural areas, including smaller stations in towns like Borrisoleigh, Templetuohy, and Killenaule. Newly attested Gardaí typically begin their service in busier stations, where they gain frontline experience in patrol duties, emergency response, and community policing before potentially rotating to smaller local stations.
The attestation also reflects a broader strategy by the Irish Government to maintain a steady pipeline of Garda recruits. New trainee classes are scheduled to enter Templemore every few months, ensuring continued growth in Garda numbers and supporting high-visibility policing initiatives across the country.
Overall, this latest group of Gardaí represents not just an increase in numbers, but a continued investment in community safety. For areas like Thurles and the wider Tipperary district, even a small number of additional officers can make a meaningful difference, enhancing local policing presence and strengthening connections between Gardaí and the communities they serve.
Recent news articles have shed light on a troubling reality; fraud is becoming increasingly common across Ireland, and in many cases still go unreported. While scams have long existed, the scale and sophistication of fraudulent activity today make it a serious and evolving threat that affects people from all walks of life.
What’s particularly concerning is not just how widespread fraud has become, but how often it goes unspoken. Many victims feel embarrassed, unsure of what to do, or even doubtful that reporting the incident will make a difference. As a result, countless cases remain hidden, allowing criminals to continue operating with little resistance.
Fraud is no longer limited to obvious or easily identifiable schemes. Modern scams can be highly convincing, most often involving social media through fake emails, phone calls, or websites that closely mimic legitimate organisations such as banks, delivery services, or even government agencies. With the rise of digital banking and online services, fraudsters have more opportunities than ever to exploit trust and access sensitive information.
It’s important to recognise a simple truth; fraud can happen to anyone. No level of education, awareness, or caution makes a person completely immune. Scammers rely on manipulation, urgency, and psychological pressure, not just technical tricks. They are skilled at creating scenarios that feel real and demand immediate action, catching people off guard.
Because of this, the conversation around fraud needs to shift. Instead of focusing on blame or embarrassment, there should be greater emphasis on awareness, support, and prevention.
If you’ve been affected by fraud, it’s crucial to understand that reporting it is one of the most effective ways to combat the problem.
By contacting your financial provider as soon as possible, you increase the chances of limiting financial loss and preventing further unauthorised activity. Banks and financial institutions have dedicated teams that can respond quickly to suspected fraud, freeze accounts, and investigate suspicious transactions.
Equally important is reporting the incident to An Garda Síochána. While it may seem like a small step, every report contributes to a broader understanding of how fraud operates in Ireland. This information helps authorities identify patterns, track criminal networks, and develop strategies to prevent future scams.
Reporting fraud doesn’t just help you, it helps others. When scams go unreported, criminals remain free to target more victims using the same tactics. By speaking up, you play a role in disrupting these schemes and making it harder for fraudsters to succeed.
Education also plays a key role in prevention. Staying informed about common scams, being cautious with unsolicited communications, and taking time to verify requests for personal or financial information can significantly reduce risk. Simple actions, such as double-checking a sender’s email address or contacting a company directly through official channels, can make a big difference.
However, even the most careful individuals can be caught out. That’s why creating an environment where people feel comfortable reporting fraud is essential. Open conversations help remove stigma and encourage others to come forward if they experience something similar.
Fraud is a growing challenge, but it’s not one we are powerless against. Through awareness, vigilance, and a willingness to report incidents, individuals and communities can work together to reduce its impact. The more we talk about it, the harder it becomes for fraud to thrive in silence.
|
Support Us Help keep Thurles.info online by donating below. Thank you.
Total Donated 2026: €300.00
Thank You!
Daily Thurles Mass Livestream
|
Recent Comments