Minister says specific penalties for driving wrong way on motorway may be introduced

James Cox

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has said driving the wrong way down a motorway may need to become a specific criminal offence.

O'Callaghan said gardaí will begin receiving pursuit training this year following the fatal M9 crash in Kildare at the weekend.

Five teenagers were killed after the car they were travelling in was driven southbound on the northbound carriageway.

Three sisters and a seven-year-old boy remain in hospital after their car was hit.

O'Callaghan said social media companies also need to clamp down on viral trends involving car theft and dangerous driving.

"This is an issue that is not unique to Ireland, this is an issue which is happening in other countries. Young men stealing cars, driving dangerously on the roads, and videoing it for the purpose of social media postings.

"So the social media companies have a responsibility... but I want the Irish public to know that the [Garda] Commissioner and myself are committed to stopping this."