North Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne Appears in Court Charged with Drink Driving

Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne has appeared before Dublin District Court charged with drink driving.

The 52-year-old Wicklow-Wexford TD was arrested on May 28th last at Pearse Street in Dublin city centre while travelling from his hotel to Dublin Airport.

Deputy Byrne faces a charge alleging that a urine sample taken at Pearse Street Garda station contained 156 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres exceeding the statutory limit of 67 milligrams.

Deputy Byrne attended today's brief court hearing but did not speak.

Judge Tom McSharry was told it was the first court appearance in the matter while the TD's legal representatives sought disclosure of the prosecution's evidence.

The court also heard that Deputy Byrne was known to Judge McSharry which is why Deputy Byrne subsequently sought an adjournment, although he indicated to South East Radio news that he wanted the matter dealt with today.

The case has now been adjourned until March 23rd, 2027 for hearing.

Deputy Byrne has not yet entered a plea.

Following his arrest in May, Deputy Byrne confirmed he was being investigated for drink driving and said he would cooperate fully with the process. He also informed Fianna Fáil of the matter.

He subsequently stepped down as Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence, citing the seriousness of the situation and his respect for fellow committee members.

The case remains before the courts.