Gardai await test results after motorist driving at high speed fails roadside breath test

A motorist is under investigation after they were caught driving at high speed, having consumed an intoxicant, gardai have confirmed.

In a post on social media, gardai say the detection was made by members of the Monaghan Roads Policing Unit on Friday - as tens of thousands of motorists were taking to the roads ahead of the long weekend.

While the exact location of the detection has not been disclosed, they say the vehicle was travelling in excess of 140km/h - above the speed limit for motorways.

"This driver subsequently failed the roadside breath test. They were arrested and gardai are waiting on the results from the Medical Bureau of Road Safety," said a spokesperson.

The outcome of the analysis will determine the nature of any further action while separate proceedings are likely to be initiated in relation to the speeding offence.

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Gardai have not publicly disclosed if the failed roadside test related to drugs or alcohol.

A special operation is being carried out this bank holiday weekend with a particular focus on suspected drug-driving offences.

Since January, more than 800 people have been arrested on the roadside for driving while under the influence of drugs.

"This long weekend, please do not take your life and the lives of others into your hands by drug driving," said a spokesperson.