The number of arrests for drink driving offences in Clare have risen by 22% in the past year.
Figures have been revealed at this afternoon's Joint Policing Committee meeting, which has also heard that crime is generally down in the county, despite a rise in other offences.
There have been 151 drink driving offences in the first 8 months of this year, up from 124 in the same period in 2015.
Chief Superintendent John Kerin told today's meeting of the Joint Policing Committee that there's been a worrying increase in the number of young people being caught driving under the influence.
To combat this, Clare Gardai have increased the number of breath tests being carried out across the county, with over 13,500 people being breathalised so far in 2016.
Minor assaults are also up, with 46 more crimes in this category being committed this year so far. however more serious assaults are down, as are offences across most other categories.
Chief Superintendent Kerin also welcomed a recent recruitment drive for new Gardai,
The Clare division is down 31 Gardai and 2 sergeants since 2010, however he's confident the new recruits will help boost numbers here.
He's committed to using the additional resources to increase community policing across the county.
