Five Donegal men with Northern Ireland driving bans take case in Republic

In the first case of its kind before the courts, five Donegal men banned from driving in Northern Ireland have launched a legal case challenging driving bans imposed in the Republic.

The men were all caught drink-driving in Derry and Tyrone in 2013 and 2014. They all pleaded guilty to the offences and had not attempted to appeal those convictions.

Details of the grounds for the legal challenge were not given to Letterkenny District Court. The Road Safety Authority, which implements northern bans south of the Border, is contesting the case.

Solicitor Jacqueline Maloney, acting for the RSA, provided Mr Justice Paul Kelly with a written submission on the case. Calling it a hefty submission, the judge adjourned the case until March 19th.

Driving bans in the North are enforced in the Republic through an RSA application to the local district court. Motorists from the North banned from driving in the Republic have their bans imposed by simple administration after receiving an RSA notice. Those trying to prevent a ban in the Republic can continue to drive while the case is ongoing.