Gardaí say that 696 people were arrested for drink-driving over the Christmas period.
A total of 36,421 drivers were tested during the Christmas enforcement campaign, which lasted from 1 December 2014 to 4 January.
Thirteen people were arrested on Christmas Day and 44 people were arrested on New Year's Day on suspicion of drink-driving.
On average 20 people were arrested each day over the festive period.
There were 7,631 Mandatory Alcohol Testing checkpoints set-up around the country.
Overall, there were 220 fewer drink-driving incidents in 2014 than in 2013.
Christmas 2013 saw over 44,000 drivers tested at 8,000 checkpoints.
Seventeen people lost their lives on the roads over the Christmas period, down from 21 people the previous year.
However, the overall the number of deaths on Irish roads increased in 2014, for the second consecutive year.
Chief Superintendent Michael O'Sullivan, from the Garda National Traffic Bureau, said there were fewer drink-driving checkpoints over the 214 festive period than the 2013 version for operational reasons rather than due to resources.
He said the checkpoints were far more targeted, adding it's clear fewer people are drinking and driving.
Assistant Garda Commissioner John Twomey said that "it is totally unacceptable that some people continue to drink or take drugs and drive".
Mr Twomey also said "even on Christmas Day, when families should be enjoying time with their loved ones ... these people put themselves and others at serious risk."
"Had they heeded the many safety messages that have gone out as part of this campaign this could have easily been avoided."
Mr Twomey added the gardaí appeal to every road user to make safety a priority in 2015.
