One driver was arrested each hour over the May bank holiday weekend for intoxicated driving, according to figures from An Garda Síochána.

A total of 5,349 roadside drug and alcohol tests were conducted across the weekend and 196 people were arrested.

Gardaí said the situation was a real concern.

Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said: "There is only so many ways that we can say this and we won't be polite about it – never, never, ever get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of drink or drugs. Any day, any time."

Financial penalty

"The financial penalty, prospect of losing your licence or criminal offence and time in prison might not be enough of a deterrent to some but the potential of causing serious and/or fatal injuries to yourself as well as others should be enough to stop you."

Also, 900 drivers were detected speeding over the weekend, while 220 were detected using their mobile phone while driving, with over 100 not wearing a seatbelt.

There have been 71 road deaths so far this year, up 15 on the same time last year.