Drink-Driving Case Dismissed Against Former EirGrid CEO, Raising Concerns
The co-owner of a car that was written off by former EirGrid chief executive Mark Foley in a road-traffic collision says it is a “miracle” nobody was killed. Despite a blood-alcohol test showing him to be more than four times over the limit, prosecutors dismissed the drink-driving case against Mr Foley.
Technicality Leads to Dismissal
Judge Anne Watkin stated that a proper request was not made at Irishtown Garda station for Mr Foley to provide a urine sample. According to the drink-driving laws, this option should have been offered to him. Therefore, the blood sample provided was deemed inadmissible.
Dashcam Footage Shows Extent of Damage
Carol Molloy, whose family car was involved in the incident, expressed shock and disappointment at the dismissal of the case. She and her husband had ordered a new seven-seater Peugeot 508 worth €58,000 in 2019, which was completely written off in the crash.
“When I look at the photos of my car and where he crashed the car, that would have been my driver’s seat and my four-year-old in the booster seat in the back. It doesn’t bear thinking about what might have happened if we were getting in or out of the car at the time,” Ms. Molloy said.
Multiple Cars Involved, Serious Damage Caused
The collision occurred at 5.45pm on Anglesea Road in Ballsbridge. Mr Foley’s car swerved into two parked cars, including Ms. Molloy’s, before propelling it onto the footpath and causing damage to a parked Mercedes.
Witnesses Sparked Over Limit
Ms. Molloy claims that Mr Foley was talking on his phone throughout the incident and smelled strongly of alcohol. Garda Massey, who stopped Mr Foley at the scene, confirmed that Mr Foley admitted to using his phone while driving but denied drinking. After failing a breath test, Mr Foley was arrested and had a blood sample taken, which showed a blood alcohol concentration of 216mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. This is more than four times the legal limit of 50mg.
EirGrid CEO Steps Down
Mr Foley stepped down from his position as EirGrid CEO in April 2023.
Call to Action
This disturbing incident raises serious concerns about drink-driving and the urgent need for stricter enforcement. It is imperative that those who endanger lives through reckless driving are held accountable for their actions. We must continue to advocate for stronger penalties and awareness campaigns to prevent future tragedies on our roads.