New garda powers
The Garda Commissioner says people who made it to their holiday homes must now remain there during the COVID19 restrictions.
New powers that allow Gardaí to enforce coronavirus restrictions are now in effect.
The Garda Commissioner Drew Harris says while public cooperation with the guidelines have to far been good, things are starting to slip.
Garda Commission Drew Harris saying if you are now in your holiday home, you must stay put. #COVID19ireland @NewstalkFM pic.twitter.com/ycm68HSnIx
— Kacey O'Riordan (@KaceyORiordan) April 8, 2020
Gardaí are now able to arrest people who refuse to comply.
They could face a €2,500 court fine or six months in jail.
Commissioner Harris says the Gardaí will continue to take a community policing approach.
People traveling to holiday homes and are stopped by Gardai will be told to return home.
Thousands of checkpoints will be in place nationwide from now until midnight on Monday, to ensure people are not making non-essential journeys.
The new powers are currently set to remain in place until midnight on Easter Sunday; however, if the lock-down gets extended the powers will too.
Commissioner Harris said people need to redouble their efforts in following the guidelines as some have started to slip as the days go on.
“The discipline that is required to live by this medical advice is starting to slip a little,” he said.
“We are seeing things like people exercising more than 2km from their home, we are seeing people moving for non-essential reasons and we are also seeing house parties."
