Midlands 103

Search

Listen Live

On Air Now

8:00pm - 10:00pm

Country Roads

Dixie Chicks

There's Your Trouble

Drug-Driving Surge Sparks Calls For Christmas Crackdown

Tuesday, 16 December 2025 07:12

A Westmeath town saw the highest increase in the region.

Drug-driving prosecutions have surged in the Midlands at an average of 194%.

Mullingar saw the highest increase in the region, jumping from 13 cases in 2024 to 86 this year — a rise of 562%.

Portlaoise also recorded an increase, with cases rising from 39 to 44, a 13% uptake year on year, while Tullamore cases increased from 15 to 16 over the same period.

Nationally, there has been a 37% rise to 2,050 cases recorded up to October 2025, the highest level on record.

The figures underline growing concern over drug driving, prompting calls for tougher enforcement and a Christmas crackdown on offenders.

Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú is calling 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”

More from Midlands News

Enterprise Minister Says Midlands Still Offering Strong Company Growth

The annual IDA report places the region last in terms of client employment numbers.
Agreement Reached On Westmeath Hospice Care Beds

The Foundation supports a range of care services.
Westmeath Town Awarded For Night Time Economy

Mullingar is receiving the award.
Report Expresses "Deep Reservations" Over Death Of Cloverhill Prisoner

Offaly man Ivan Rosney died in Cloverhill Prison on September 28th 2020.
Appeal Lodged Against 20 Homes In Westmeath

A third party appeal is being lodged against the homes on the Athboy Road, Castledowndevlin.
Laois Floods Cause Serious Safety Concern

A Councillor is calling for a relief scheme.
HSE In Talks With Offaly Concrete Company Over Midlands Hospice Appeal

John Condron of Condron's Concrete in Tullamore is concerned noise from the plant's site will travel to the Arden Lane site.
The F1 Journey Can Cost North Of €30m - Alex Dunne

The Offaly superstar resumes his campaign to reach the sport's top table in the coming weeks.
Offaly TD Demands Stronger Enforcement Against Sulky Racing

Independent rep Carol Nolan thinks more targeted checkpoints are needed.
Westmeath Space Innovation Centre Is Exciting - Enterprise Minister

The centre is being backed by government investments.
Laois And Westmeath Primary Students Awarded For Filmmaking Skills

St. Ciaran's National School in Baylin and Graiguecullen's St Fiacc's National School have scooped up FIS Film Awards.
Housing Minister Opens Over 200 Homes In Laois

TD James Browne has opened homes in Portlaoise, Mountmellick and Stradbally.
RSA Urges People To Cut Back Hedgerows

CEO of Westmeath County Council,Barry Kehoe says it's an important road safety matter.
Republic Of Ireland To Face Israel In Nations League

Kosovo and Austria will be Ireland's other two opponents.
Ireland’s First European Space Agency Launches in Westmeath

It is Ireland’s national platform for space technology development.
High Court To Hear Fair Trial Challenge In Alleged Mosque Plot Case

The case for Karolis Peckauskas will be before the High Court next month.
Westmeath Research Firm Launch SME Digital Transformation Programme

The programme supports small and medium businesses.
Midlands Braced For Freezing Conditions As Temperatures Set To Drop

Temperatures could drop to minus 4 over the weekend.
Man In His 20s To Appear In Court Over Alleged Crime Gang Activity

Searches were carried out in Carlow and Dublin after incidents last year.
Ryanair Chief Warns US Could Block Aer Lingus Flights Over Airport Cap

Removal of the limit was approved this week.

Download Our App

Never miss a moment from Midlands 103