More than a dozen public order offences have been committed, several vehicles confiscated and three men are in custody on charges of dangerous driving stunts during a major rally weekend in Killarney, Co Kerry.
The annual Rally of the Lakes, through the heart of the Killarney National Park, attracts hundreds of young drivers to the tourist town.
Shops and streets were largely deserted by locals and tourists because of the noise and fear associated with the event.
Dozens of people are arrested each year despite penalties of €2,500. This year gardaí had a major clampdown including broad blocks, cordoning off of car parks and special courts have also taken place.
A Co Laois man was remanded in custody on Saturday for allegedly driving at 120km/h through red lights and through the main streets of Killarney in the early hours of Saturday. A high-speed chase ensued when he failed to stop. Anther man , from Tipperary, is in custody for allegedly performing doughnut stunts on the N22 – the road was cordoned for the activity watched by dozens.
A spokesman for the rally condemned the stunts and says it is meeting with residents near the Fitzgerald Stadium who had issues with the noise.