Gardaí have issued around 4,600 fines for breaches of the current Covid-19 restrictions, mostly relating to non-essential travel.
People travelling to an airport for a holiday can now be fined up to €500 each. 3,500 fines have been issued for non-essential travel over the past month, with 375 fines issued to people at Dublin airport since January 29th.
Meanwhile, a further 301 fines were issued for the organising or attendance of house parties.
Organising a party under the current restrictions can end with a €500 penalty, while attendance will see flouters slapped with a €150 bill.
Non-compliance with mask guidelines has resulted in the issuance of 94 fixed penalty notices, 74 of which occurred in retail outlets.
Six people are due in court om March for failure to pay their fines, with a potential penalty of a thousand euro or a prison lying in wait.
From 7am Monday on morning, any non essential cross border travel between the North and the Republic will result in a €100 fine.
Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said: “Despite the significant challenges and sacrifices, the vast majority of people continue to comply with the public health advice. We thank them for that and ask them to keep it up.
“However, there also continues to be a minority who are putting themselves, their loved ones, their friends, and their neighbours at risk of getting Covid-19 by not adhering to the regulations.
“Covid-19 doesn’t switch-off so that people can attend parties, or go on holidays, or gather in large groups.
“The message is clear and has been for some time – people should only make essential journeys, reduce their contacts, practice social distancing, and wash their hands. Please stay safe and keep others safe by staying home.”
