Gardai have issued more than 2,400 fines to people for non-essential travel

An Garda Síochána have now issued more than 2,400 fines to people deemed to not have a reasonable excuse for travelling beyond 5km of their homes.

In a statement, Gardai say: “An Garda Síochána is advising people this weekend to stay home to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“People undertaking non-essential journeys are liable for a fine of €100 and since being introduced (January 11 2021), over 2,400 fines to date have been issued by Gardaí to people who left their homes without a reasonable excuse.”

Gardai can now issue fines to people for organising and attending a house party – 16 such fines were issued yesterday.

The fine for organising a house party is €500 while you can be fined €150 for attending a house party.

People travelling to or from a party – even to their neighbour’s house – can also be fined.

In addition, Gardaí can issue a fine of €500 for organising other relevant events as per the public health regulations.

Gardai are also warning people that travelling to and from an airport to take a holiday abroad is not essential travel and may be fined.

Nationwide checkpoints and high visibility patrols at public amenities across the country will also continue this weekend in support of public health regulations.

An Garda Síochána has also to date issued 63 fines for the non-wearing of face masks in certain locations with the vast majority of these – 50 – being in retail premises.

People are advised that under public health regulations they must wear a face mask in retail premises.

Under the regulations, An Garda Síochána can take enforcement action in relation to such matters once it has been informed of the alleged breach by a relevant authority i.e. the manager of a retail premises.

Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said, “The vast majority of people are continuing to play their part in tackling the spread of COVID-19.

“They are staying home, only making essential journeys, and exercising within 5km of their homes.

“We appreciate the sacrifices they are making and we ask them to keep it up.

“However, there are still some people putting themselves their loved ones, their friends, and their neighbours at risk of getting COVID-19 by not adhering to the regulations.

“People are dying from COVID-19. People are seriously ill.

“Our brave doctors, nurses, medical staff and other front-line workers are putting their lives on the line to protect others.

“They need our support and they deserve our respect. The best way of doing this is to stay home.”

“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.”