Gardaí have issued over 3,500 fines for breaches of Covid-19 regulations, with in excess of 150 fines issued for either organising or attending a house party.
More than 2,100 fines have now been issued for travel without a reasonable excuse.
In addition, over the weekend gardaí intervened with house parties right across the country including in Dublin, Sligo, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Westmeath, Limerick, Cork, Tipperary, with over 150 fines issued as a result.
This included some house parties with large groups of up to 30 people at each party.
Gardaí continue to check international travel at airports and ports. This includes checks surrounding airports and ports and in departure areas.
From Thursday, January 29th to Sunday, January 31st, gardaí issued over 280 fines at Dublin Airport to people for leaving the country for non-essential travel, with €100 fines issued in each case.
From today, that fine rises to €500 each.
Since January 9th, 2021, gardaí have engaged with in excess of 300 persons arriving into the country with no valid PCR test — four people presented without a valid PCR test on Sunday, January 31st, files will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions in each case.
Over the last few days, gardaí have also attended breaches of health regulations by licensed premises, restaurants, retail outlets, hair and beauty salons amongst other business premises. In all instances, files will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Public health regulations at funerals (currently maximum 10 mourners) and weddings (currently maximum six attendees) are also being monitored closely.
Speaking today, deputy commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said: “The vast majority of people continue to comply with the public health regulations. In doing so, they are protecting themselves and others. However, some people continue to engage in behaviour that puts themselves, their loved ones, their colleagues and their neighbours at risk of catching Covid-19. At this stage, no-one can say they aren’t fully aware of the public health advice and the potential dangers — including death and serious illness — of not following that advice.
“People need to stay home. Only make essential journeys. Limit social contacts. Practice social distancing and wash their hands,” said Deputy Twomey.
