More than 4,000 motorists were caught on suspicion of drink driving in the first three months of 2007, a jump of almost a third on last year's figure.
Gardai today revealed 4,500 drivers were apprehended and they warned of a major crackdown on the roads this bank holiday weekend as thousands enjoy the good weather.
The rise can be attributed to the introduction of random mandator breath testing late last year.
With three people killed on the State's roads last May bank holiday weekend, gardai have said speed limits in particular will be strictly enforced and drink drivers targeted.
"A cohort of drivers continue to consume alcohol and drive. This demonstrates a total disregard for themselves and others whom they may kill or seriously injure as a consequence of their irresponsible actions," a Garda statement said.
Around 44,000 speeding detections have been made so far this year, up 36 per cent on last year's figure.