Some 15,606 people have been disqualified from driving on at least two occasions due to being over the limit, with 72,431 drivers banned since legislation was introduced in 1962.

The counties with the highest percentage of repeat offenders are Leitrim (29%), Kerry (28%), Donegal (24%) and Dublin (24%). Although the figures date from 1962 after drink driving legislation was introduced, it’s only since 2006 that random breath tests and stricter conviction laws were introduced. According to figures released by the Court Services this year, there has been a 60% fall in drink driving orders, from 27,836 in 2006 to 11,329 in 2013. Punishment for drink driving can range from penalty points and a fine to disqualification. A spokesperson from the RSA says penalties vary for a number of reasons.

“Penalties on conviction for drink driving will vary depending on the amount of alcohol that has been detected in your system. Another factor the court will take account of is whether the offence is your first offence or otherwise. Under the penalties introduced by the Road Traffic Act 2006, all convictions for drink driving carried a mandatory disqualification from driving.”

New laws

New drink driving laws introduced in November allow blood samples to be taken from incapacitated or unconscious drivers without their consent. Gardaí also have the powers to test motorists they suspect of being under the influence of drugs.