Intoxicated Maynooth driver refuses roadside breath test

A MOTORIST in Maynooth is facing multiple charges after being stopped by the Naas Roads Policing Unit (Naas RPU) during a Mandatory Intoxicant Checkpoint on Parson Street in Maynooth this weekend.

The vehicle was pulled over when it was observed that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.

Upon engagement, the driver was found to be visibly intoxicated and refused to provide a roadside breath specimen.

They were arrested and taken to Leixlip Garda Station, where they remained uncooperative and again refused to supply a breath, blood, or urine sample.

As a result, the driver has been charged with three offences and is due to appear in court in the coming weeks.

If convicted, they face a driving disqualification of up to four years, a fine of up to €5000, and a prison sentence of up to six months.

The incident comes as An Garda Síochána continues to highlight the dangers of impaired driving.

On June 11, members of the Kildare/Carlow Roads Policing Units attended the Road Safety Authority (RSA) Annual International Conference on Alcohol and Other Drugs. The event brought together global road safety experts to address the growing concern of drink and drug driving.

Topics at the conference included alcohol and drug impairment, new research findings, behavioural insights, emerging technologies, and improvements in public policy, all aimed at reducing road deaths and serious injuries.

Kildare Gardaí took to social media on the subject and said: “Never ever drive under the influence of drink or drugs. It’s dangerous. It’s illegal. It’s never worth the risk.”