In the same four-day period, over of 240 drivers were detected for holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt.

Over 580 drivers were detected for speeding offences during the first 24 hours of the May bank holiday roads policing operation.

Superintendent Liam Geraghty told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland that while they were awaiting the final figures, already it was clear that there had been in excess of 200 arrests over the last seven days for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Over 4,600 drivers were detected for speeding offences by An Garda Síochána, with one driving 207km/hr in a 100km/hr zone.

Throughout the October bank holiday weekend, an extensive Garda Roads Policing Operation was in place between 7am on Thursday to 7am yesterday.