AN GARDA Síochána has launched ‘Operation Fanacht’ which will see a network of checkpoints across the country to ensure public compliance with travel restriction introduced to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The operation will run from 12pm today, Wednesday, April 7, until Monday night, April 13 and will see thousands of checkpoints across the country each day.
An Garda Síochána announced that at any one time, there will be more than 2,500 Gardaí involved in checkpoints or high visibility patrolling across Ireland.
Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said the operation is designed to “support travel restrictions put in place to help flatten the curve and save lives”.
Deputy Commissioner Twomey said, “There has been very good compliance with the travel restrictions and we want to thank the public for this. However, it is vital that this continues over the coming days and over the weekend. This will save lives.”
Mr Twomey said An Garda Síochána will be sending people “a clear message” that “they will be turned back” if stopped at a checkpoint.
Speaking on RTÉ Primetime yesterday evening, Minister for Health, Simon Harris said he believed it was important for Gardaí to “have these powers in their back pocket”.
“It is important the Gardaí have these powers in their back pocket, so if they do need enforcement powers, they do have them. I think that’s what most people in this country would expect and want the Gardaí to have,” he told RTÉ Primetime.
“They’ll continue their normal strategy of working with the people and assisting the communities,” he said, adding, “But it is important as I say, that they have them there in their back pocket if they need them.”
The operation will also see Gardaí conduct high visibility patrols at major tourist locations, parks and natural beauty spots to ensure compliance with travel restrictions.
“In particular, we would ask people who are thinking of travelling to parks, natural beauty spots or holiday homes outside of the 2km limit not to do so,” he said.
An Garda Síochána say Operation Fanacht will also enhance road safety, as “despite the reduced traffic levels, there are still people putting their lives and the lives of others at risk by speeding, drink and drug driving, and not wearing their seat belt”.
