People who flout emergency laws on travel restrictions, could be fined or jailed from today. The Garda Commissioner Drew Harris says new powers which require people not to travel will be used sparingly by Gardaí
New regulations were signed off by the Health Minister ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Authorities are discouraging people from travelling to other parts of the country over what is a traditional holiday period.
The laws which are in effect for the next five days, mean that anyone who breaks the 2km and social distancing rules could receive a court fine of €2,500 or a six month jail sentence.
The operation – Operation Fanacht – will see an extensive network of checkpoints established across the country. The Operation will run from today at 12noon until Monday night, April 13. It will involve thousands of checkpoints every day. At any one time, there will be over 2,500 Gardaí involved in checkpoints or high visibility patrolling.
Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said, “This significant policing operation is designed to support travel restrictions put in place to help flatten the curve and save lives.
“There has been very good compliance with the travel restrictions and we want to thank the public for this. However, it is vital that this continues over the coming days and over the weekend. This will save lives.
“In particular, we would ask people who are thinking of travelling to parks, natural beauty spots or holiday homes outside of the 2km limit not to do so. We are sending them a clear message that if they are stopped at a checkpoint they will be turned back.”
The operation will also see Gardaí conduct high visibility patrols at major tourist locations, parks and natural beauty spots to ensure compliance with travel restrictions.
