Fianna Fáil MEP calls for action on drug driving over Christmas

Fianna Fáil MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has called for decisive action this Christmas to curb the escalating threat of drug driving”

“We need an expanded roadside drug testing regime this Christmas period on our roads. We also need to consider policies whereby anyone convicted of drug driving is required to re-sit their driving test or, at minimum, complete a comprehensive driver re-education programme. They have to get the message that they are a danger to other innocent road users,” the Ireland South MEP said.

Ní Mhurchú has also suggested deploying modified interlock technology — devices currently used to prevent drink driving in the cars of convicted drink drivers — so they can detect drugs instead of alcohol in the vehicles of repeat offenders.

The Ireland South MEP described the cases that do make it to the district court as being the ‘tip of the iceberg when it comes to drug driving” 

Ní Mhurchú described these measures as an “essential” ramp up in the fight against drug driving in an effort to protect all road users and “restore confidence” in road safety this festive season.

As of December 9^th 2025, 170 people had lost their lives on Irish roads, 7 more people than on the same date in 2024.

A of 1,499 people faced district court proceedings for drug driving in 2024, but this has already risen by 37% in the first 10 months of 2025, with 2025 marking the highest level on record for drug driving prosecutions in Ireland’s district court system. 

Ní Mhurchú said the trend reflects a steady rise since 2020 — but warned that this year’s sharp escalation is particularly alarming.