Garda Covid 19 checkpoints increased

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána has told how it ‘co-operates and liaise operationally with the PSNI to support public health efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on the island of Ireland.’

The spokesperson was speaking to the Journal following a question seeking clarification on regulations in relations to motorists travelling over the border.

An Garda Síochána has introduced additional static checkpoints on national routes under Operation Fanacht. “Regulation 4 states, inter alia, ‘an applicable person shall not leave his or her place of residence without reasonable excuse’. This is a Penal Regulation and is enforceable. These regulations are applicable to the Republic of Ireland. The 5km restriction is solely applicable to avail of exercise, there is no travel limit restriction for other reasonable excuse.

“An Garda Síochána continue to check on compliance with travel regulations nationwide and have recommenced static checkpoints under Operation Fanacht. These are on national routes (not motorways) supported by random local mobile checkpoints designed to support the Stay Home/ Stay Safe message.”

The spokesperson said Gardai liaise with the PSNI, adding: “In supporting the COVID-19 public health guidelines and regulations, An Garda Síochána has, and will continue to, adopt, a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent. This has seen Garda members engage, educate, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce, in respect of applicable penal regulations.”