More than 100 people were arrested for drink-driving each day over the bank holiday weekend, gardaí have confirmed.
Some 441 motorists stopped between Good Friday and Easter Monday were believed to be driving over the legal limit of alcohol.
All were arrested after being breath-tested at Garda checkpoints under random testing laws introduced last year.
The provisions brought under the Road Traffic Act last July have seen a significant jump in the number of people caught for drink-driving.
Garda headquarters said it would be some time before the arrests were processed and the number of resulting charges could be confirmed.
A total of 427 people were arrested on suspicion of driving while drunk during the week from Monday, April 2nd, to Easter Sunday.
Arrests were up on the previous week from 394.
"Garda-enforcement activities in this area of road safety will continue to be prioritised," a Garda spokeswoman said.
Gardaí believe the random alcohol tests have helped to reduce road deaths. However the force has stressed that speed is the single greatest cause of death and injury through traffic accidents.
Garda chiefs said they are continuing to increase resources to the Traffic Corps while enforcement is rising significantly.
"Our aim is to save lives. Give yourself time to complete your journey safely, thereby avoiding Garda attention," the spokeswoman said.
Gardaí meanwhile have named the victim of a fatal traffic collision in Borris, Co Carlow, early yesterday.
Patrick Doran (29), Knockroe, Borris, died after being struck by a car at Knockroe at 1.25am. No other vehicle was involved. The area was sealed off by gardaí for a time yesterday for technical examination and diversions were put in place.