Woman was driving BMW at 181kph in Portlaoise

A woman who drove at 181kph on the motorway in Laois has escaped a driving ban. 

Caoimhe Dunne Brennan(22) of 10 Schoolhouse Gate, Ballinakillen, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of dangerous driving on the M7 at Cappakeel, Portlaoise on May 18, 2025. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said the case was due for finalisation. He confirmed that his client had donated €5,000 to the North Tipperary Hospice as agreed at a previous hearing. The donation had been agreed with a view to having the offence reduced to careless driving which doesn’t attract an automatic disqualification. 

Mr Fitzgerald said his client was a social care worker and the offending appeared to be an aberration. 

Judge Andrew Cody noted the woman had been driving a BMW at 181kph. 

Mr Fitzgerald said the woman worked with people with intellectual disabilities and he had “glowing references” to hand into court. He said she was being supported by her family in court.

Judge Cody agreed to reduce the offence to careless driving and he fined the woman €200. He said there would be no disqualification.