A 14-year-old boy was the youngest person arrested for drink driving last year, while the oldest was aged 94, according to a report from the Medical Bureau of Road Safety.
It found that 36 people were arrested three times for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, 263 were arrested twice and seven were arrested between five and 11 times.
A motorist was also found to be eight-and-a-half times over the legal driving limit, which is the highest alcohol level found in blood last year - at 428mg/100ml. The legal limit is 50mg/100ml.
The bureau's director said drink and drug driving, speeding and not using seatbelts remain huge issues among motorists, with young drivers the worst offenders.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Professor Denis Cusack said that although the number of road deaths in Ireland is "good" by European standards, it is getting worse.
According to the latest garda figures, 168 people have died on Irish roads so far this year.
Prof Cusack said that in addition to road fatalities, around 1,300 people are going to suffer serious injuries in road crashes, some of them life altering.
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He said that many younger people are responsible motorists, but those that take risks are causing collisions.
On the number of people being arrested more than once for driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs, Prof Cusack said this will not be tackled unless ways are found to help and support these people in their lives and work.
He said that alcohol interlock devices for cars should also be introduced, adding, "if you can't stop the driver, you stop the car."
He said the technology is there and can be put into cars, adding that the bureau is working closely with the Department of Transport and RSA to introduce the devices.
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Read the report in full in Irish or English:
Medical Bureau of Road Safety annual report 2024
Tuarascáil bhliantúil an Biúró Liachta um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre 2024
