An Garda Síochána is to step up static checkpoints on national routes from today, as part of virus containment measures.

Under Operation Fanacht, there will be additional re-deployment of Gardaí to the front-line. Seventy Garda trainees will be attested on successful completion of their initial phase one training.

Attested

Sixty Garda reserves who have successfully completed their training will also be attested. 

Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said "The additional checkpoints combined with high visibility patrolling in key locations will help Government and societal efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

"We all have a role to play in tackling the pandemic. To date, there has been widespread compliance with public health advice and regulations.

"Now, more than ever, we all need to adhere to the public health advice. Stay home. Please only make essential journeys. Minimise the amount of people you meet. Wear a face mask. Maintain social distancing. Wash your hands.” 

Gardai have reminded the public that the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No.10) Regulations 2020 are currently in force. 

Regulation four states “an applicable person shall not leave his or her place of residence without reasonable excuse”. 

Enforceable

This is a penal regulation and is enforceable.

Gardai will also be engaged in high visibility patrolling of key locations such as public amenities, scenic areas and parks. 

In accordance with public health regulations, exercise can only be availed of “within a five-kilometre radius of the person’s place of residence”. 

If public amenities are crowded, public health advice is to avoid them.

Gardaí will also enforce parking regulations at public amenities. 

The Garda College at Templemore will remain closed, except for limited essential training, until further notice and those resources will remain deployed in local communities.

Bubbles

There will also be increased segregation and decentralisation of units to form smaller independent ‘bubbles’.

Court outcomes of previous Garda enforcement activity are as follows:

• Co Cavan, male found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, €150 fine,
• Co Kildare, male found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, €250 fine following appeal,
• Co Sligo, two males found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, both fined €300,
• Co Dublin, male in breach of regulations directed to return home, observed still in breach of regulations at same location two hours later, €350 fine,
• Co Tipperary, male found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, €400 fine,
• Co Meath, two males in breach of health regulations at a domestic dwelling house, both fined €1000,
• Co Dublin, male found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, 30 days imprisonment,
• Co Leitrim, male found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, two months imprisonment,
• Co Meath, female found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, non-resident at property, four months imprisonment.