|
|
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 long-running land dispute in Tipperary has taken another decisive turn after the High Court upheld a permanent ban preventing a local farmer from accessing lands once owned by his family.
Farmer Mr Patrick Heffernan failed in his bid to extend the time to appeal a Circuit Court ruling that bars him from entering or trespassing on an 83-hectare farm near Fethard, Co. Tipperary. The lands were sold in 2022 for €1.5 million, to US-based businessman Mr Maurice Regan.
Court Rejects Late Appeal.
The High Court heard that Mr Heffernan sought extra time to appeal an earlier decision but filed his application 63 days after the deadline had expired. Justice Eileen Roberts ruled that while he may have intended to appeal, there was no valid reason for missing the 28-day time limit.
The judge noted that Mr Heffernan claimed he “forgot” the deadline, while attempting to obtain court documentation, but this did not constitute a sufficient excuse.
Background to the Dispute.
The lands had been mortgaged to financial institutions before being transferred to finance firms and ultimately sold by receivers in June 2022.
Following the sale, tensions escalated when Mr Heffernan refused to remove livestock from the property. Court records described “serious difficulties” between both parties, leading Mr Regan to seek legal intervention.
Last year, January 2025, the Circuit Court granted an injunction restraining Mr Heffernan from entering the lands, interfering with locks or signage, or obstructing access.
Criminal Convictions and Garda Intervention.
The dispute also involved multiple legal breaches. Mr Heffernan was twice convicted of criminal damage for cutting locks and once for removing CCTV cameras. He spent 87 days in custody after refusing bail conditions that required him to stay away from the farm.
Gardaí were called to intervene during the conflict, and further legal consequences were warned if trespassing continued.
Claims Rejected by Court.
Mr Heffernan argued that the receivers had no legal authority to sell the land and alleged fraud in the transaction. He also claimed the property was worth €3.5 million, placing it outside the Circuit Court’s jurisdiction.
However, Justice Roberts rejected these claims, stating the €1.5 million sale price, reflecting land without vacant possession, fell within the court’s remit.
Final Outcome.
The High Court concluded that there had been no breach of fair procedures and that proper notice of the original hearing had been given.
Mr Heffernan’s application was dismissed in full, with costs awarded against him, leaving the permanent ban firmly in place.
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.
|
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