Despite Garda Investigation Malcolm Byrne Says Constituency Work Continues

North Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne has insisted he remains committed to serving constituents across Wexford and Wicklow despite an ongoing garda investigation into his arrest on suspicion of drink driving.

Speaking exclusively on South East Radio's Morning Mix, Deputy Byrne said he was stopped at a Garda checkpoint while driving to Dublin Airport last week. He underwent a roadside breath test before being brought to Pearse Street Garda Station, where he provided a urine sample.

The Fianna Fáil TD said legal constraints surrounding the investigation limited what he could say publicly.

"I've always tried to be as open and upfront as I can be, but there is a Garda investigation ongoing and I have to be careful about what I say," he said.

Byrne described the past week as difficult personally but said he would face the consequences of whatever outcome arises.

Asked directly about his views on drink driving, Byrne responded: "Drink driving is wrong. Full stop."

He also confirmed that he informed Taoiseach Micheál Martin about the incident immediately afterwards.

The TD revealed he had stepped back from his role as chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence. Byrne said he made the decision because he did not want media attention surrounding the investigation to overshadow the work of the committee or a recent report launch involving young people.

"I didn't want the focus to be on me rather than the work that was actually being done," he said.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Byrne stressed that his constituency office remains fully operational and that he continues to work on local and national issues.

Among the projects he highlighted was the proposed Gorey Northern Relief Road. The development would create a new route north of Gorey, helping to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and open up lands for future housing development.

Byrne said he has been working with Minister James Brown to secure funding for the project, which he described as critical infrastructure for North Wexford.

He also welcomed progress in Courtown, where Marine Area Consent has now been granted for proposed coastal works aimed at restoring the beach.

The TD said restoring Courtown Beach is a key priority for the area and an important step towards revitalising the harbour and supporting future tourism and economic development.

While declining to comment further on the Garda investigation, Byrne said he intends to continue representing the people of North Wexford and South Wicklow while awaiting the outcome of the process.