Dublin: New Garda data reveals a significant year-on-year increase in drivers caught using mobile phones behind the wheel across several counties between 2023 and 2024. Dublin recorded the highest spike, with some divisions showing increases of up to 237%. Kildare saw a 47% rise, while Cork county and Galway recorded 25% and 21% increases, respectively.
In contrast, counties such as Kerry, Cork City, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, and Donegal reported declines. Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú welcomed these reductions but urged greater enforcement, including wider deployment of unmarked Garda lorries, which provide elevated views to catch offending drivers.
Ní Mhurchú also advocated for exploring insurance incentives for drivers using phone-blocking technology. The penalty for mobile phone use while driving remains €120 and three penalty points.
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