Gardaí Tell Public To Wise Up About Parties And Travel Limits

An Garda Síochána

continues to find groups gathering (house parties, social gatherings, exercise etc.) in breach of regulations.

Recent surveys have shown that the majority of people believe that they are doing the right thing, but the reality is that the level of casual contacts remains high.

Gardaí will continue nationwide checkpoints and high visibility patrols at public amenities, parks and beauty spots this weekend in support of public health regulations.

People are reminded that the 5km limit includes the distance travelled from their home to a location for exercise. In other words, you can’t travel more than 5km to a location to exercise.

An Garda Síochána continues to remind persons subject to domestic violence - Travel restrictions DO NOT APPLY in the case of domestic violence or to escape a risk of harm, whether to the person or to another person.

An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to any person who may have been the victim of an incident of sexual or domestic crime irrespective of whether you may have been in breach of any public health regulations, for instance by attending a house party. An Garda Síochána is here to assist and support you. Please report all such incidents.

Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, Anne Marie McMahon said, "The vast majority of people are complying with the public health regulations. In doing so, they have made major sacrifices. This effort has saved many lives. We thank them for that.

"Unfortunately, despite the constant public health advice, we are still seeing people attending house parties and other large social gatherings. Going to such gatherings puts yourself, your loved ones, and everyone else you come into contact with after of getting COVID-19.

"Everyone has a role to play in this. The best way of keeping safe this weekend is to stay home. If you are going out, please stay within your 5km, limit your contacts with others, maintain social distancing, and regularly wash your hands.”

• Gardaí continue to find people gathering in groups at house parties or social gatherings
• Such gatherings put at risk not only those attending, but everyone they come into contact with after including loved ones, neighbours, colleagues and local community
• Plan your activities this weekend to ensure you exercise within your 5km
• Gardaí continuing high visibility patrols at public amenities, parks and beauty spots across the country this weekend
• Illegal parking at such locations can result in cars being towed and impounded
• All adults in a car found to be undertaking a non-essential journey may be liable for a €100 fine each

To date, An Garda Síochána has issued approximately 13,600 Covid-19 fines across the range of all COVID-19 breaches.

1. 10,013 €100 fines for non-essential travel
2. 538 €500 fines for non-essential journeys to airports/ports – the total number of €100 and €500 fines for non-essential journeys to airports/ports is 915
3. 420 €500 fines for organising a house party and 1,620 €150 fines for attending a house party
4. 244 fines of €80 each for not wearing a face covering
5. 144 fines of €100 for non-essential travel by persons not ordinarily resident in the State