Derry & Strabane Council to write to Taoiseach over €100 fines for cross-border travel

Members of Derry City and Strabane District Council have passed a proposal to write to the Department of the Taoiseach to raise concerns that citizens of the Council area can be fined €100 for travelling into the Republic of Ireland.
By Gillian Anderson
Published 26th Feb 2021, 14:22 BST
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The issue was raised by DUP Alderman Keith Kerrigan who had been contacted by a number of constituents.

“I do have some concerns in relation to it,” Colr. Kerrigan said. “Yes, there are constraints and the onus is on us all to be mindful we are still under lockdown. 

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“I feel that it is a backward step and a harsh step that anyone will be fined this €100 fine. Having looked up the legislation there are various points where you are allowed to travel.

A checkpoint at the border between Derry and Donegal at Muff prior to the introduction of the fines.A checkpoint at the border between Derry and Donegal at Muff prior to the introduction of the fines.
A checkpoint at the border between Derry and Donegal at Muff prior to the introduction of the fines.

“There is no constraint the other way round with regards hindering someone travelling from the Republic of Ireland or County Donegal into our jurisdiction and there’s no £100 from the PSNI. I don’t think there should be €100 fines for our residents.”

Following an amendment made by UUP Alderman Derek Hussey, all Members agreed unanimously on the proposal which read: ‘That we write to the Department of the Taoiseach and raise concerns that citizens of Derry City & Strabane District Council have the potential of receiving  €100 for travelling for essential reasons into the Republic of Ireland jurisdiction.’

A cross-border fine for those travelling across the border from Northern Ireland to the South, without a reasonable excuse, came into effect in early February.

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An Garda Siochana advised at the time that from 7am this morning, Monday, February 8, anyone ‘not ordinarily resident’ in the South engaging in travel there ‘without reasonable excuse may be liable to receive a fine of €100.’

The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No.10) Regulations 2020, as amended, are currently in force. These regulations currently state, ‘any other person who is not ordinarily resident in the State shall not travel within a relevant geographical location without reasonable excuse’.

A Garda spokesperson continued: “An Garda Síochána has been consistent in our graduated policing response to supporting public health regulations and guidelines in line with our tradition of policing by consent. This has seen Gardaí engage, explain, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce.”

By Gillian Anderson ,

Local Democracy Reporting Service

Related topics:Republic of IrelandStrabane CouncilDerryStrabane District CouncilDerry City