Vast majority of Kildare disqualified drivers still hold licences

The vast majority of Kildare drivers who were disqualified from driving in 2024 have not surrendered their licence, according to figures released to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly by the Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien.

In 2024 a total of 418 Kildare drivers — including 74 with learner permits — were disqualified by a judge, but so far only 34 have surrendered their licenses to the Road Safety Authority, despite being given 14 days to do from the start of the disqualification.

The figures also reveal that as of the end of February this year, 123 Kildare drivers have been disqualified and of them, only 10 has surrendered their licences.

That includes 19 drivers with learner permits, 100 by the courts and three for drink driving.

Meanwhile 41 Kildare drivers were disqualified as a result of a drink driving fixed charge, including five with learner permits, and of these only 19 have surrendered their licences.

In 2024 there were 192 Kildare drivers disqualified as a result of reaching the maximum penalty points, including 61 with learner permits, and only 55 have surrendered their licences.

“The minister outlined in his response that while the non-surrender of licences is a concern, the more important issue from a road safety perspective is that the driving disqualifications are observed,” Deputy Farrelly said.

“Those who have been disqualified know are fully aware that the disqualification is in place, regardless of whether their licence has been surrendered or not."