Almost 800 arrested for 'driving while intoxicated' over Christmas and New Year period Fixed charge notices were issued to 1,096 motorists for using a mobile phone during the same period. By Adam Daly Wednesday 27 Jan 2021, 11:50 AM Jan 27th 2021, 11:50 AM 15,428 Views 42 Comments Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie ALMOST 800 PEOPLE were arrested for driving while intoxicated during An Garda Síochána’s Christmas and New Year road safety campaign, according to new figures. Despite reduced traffic for certain periods over Christmas, the numbers detected for driving under the influence remained high, gardaí said. From 4 December 2020 until 5 January, 790 road users were arrested for driving while intoxicated – under the influence of either drink or drugs.