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From Friday 26 October, an amendment to the Road Traffic Act comes into place that will mean that all drivers convicted of drink driving will be disqualified.
The new drink driving provisions of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, updates the previous law which allowed some drivers to receive penalty points in lieu of driver disqualification.
“I am very pleased to formally commence these measures, which mark a further significant step in clamping down on the scourge of drink driving,” Minister for Transport Shane Ross said.
In future people who behave this way will face a disqualification from driving for three months
“It was always wrong to give people the mild slap on the wrist of three penalty points for such potentially lethal behaviour, and it is great satisfaction to know that in future people who behave this way will face a disqualification from driving for three months.”
Rural isolation
However, a number of rural TDs had attempted to stall the passing of the bill, saying that it would have a detrimental impact on rural communities where public transport was not readily available, particularly during pub hours.
At one point Minister Ross accused Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae of wasting time and “filibustering” in the Dáil in an attempt to block the bill.
“People will be aware that this act was passed with widespread support in both Houses of the Oireachtas, despite the efforts by a few to delay it by playing irresponsible parliamentary games. They failed and the Irish public at large will be the winners,” Minister Ross said.
Drink-link buses
The minister had attempted to assuage the concerns of rural TDs by encouraging the use of local drink-link buses that rural residents can use to ferry them to and from public houses.
However, Independent TDs pointed to limitations with the service that was provided by the buses.
“Another problem arises in the context of the time limits of 6pm to 11pm,” Independent TD for Cork South-West Michael Collins said, commenting on the times the buses ran.
“I do not think the Minister meets many farmers.”
Coming home at 11pm is a joke
“When they have milked their cows - some of them have 60, 70, or 150 animals - fed their calves and carried out their work around the farm, they are lucky to be home at 9.30pm. By the time they wash and get out, it is 10pm.”
“There are others who go to mass at 8pm and go out for a nice sociable drink afterwards. That service is not going to meet their needs. Coming home at 11pm is a joke,” Collins said.
Approval
However, many have welcomed the harsher penalty and believe that it will have a positive impact on road safety.
“Alcohol consumption among road users is still a substantial problem in Ireland. The most up-to-date statistics indicate it’s a factor in 39% of driver fatalities,” Road Safety Authority chief executive Moyagh Murdock said.
“The introduction of a three-month disqualification for drivers detected with a blood alcohol concentration between 50mg and 80mg sends out a clear signal that drink driving is something that is no longer acceptable or tolerable in our communities.
“This measure will save lives and prevent injuries.”
The new measure was also welcomed by An Garda Síochána, who reminded the public to be aware of additional road dangers during the bank holiday weekend.
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