An Garda Síochána – Please Continue To Act Responsibly To Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

TO date, An Garda Síochána has issued approximately 20,974 Covid-19 fines across the range of all COVID-19 breaches.

As of close of business yesterday (April 29, 2021) the following number of fines had been recorded:

• 14,749 €100 fines for non-essential travel
• 57 €2,000 fines for international travel to airports and ports
• 1,227 €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 1,602
• 886 €500 fines for organising an event (house party etc.) and 3,045 €150 fines for attending a house party
• 382 fines of €80 each for not wearing a face covering
• 421 fines of €100 for non-essential travel by persons not ordinarily resident in the State

All figures provided are operational and subject to change due to administrative functions in the processing of fines such as terminations or recording practices.

An Garda Síochána continues to find groups gathering (house parties, social gatherings, exercise etc.) in breach of regulations.
Gatherings of this nature are still a breach of regulations, and continue to risk the health of the individuals involved, their families and loved ones. These actions have the potential to jeopardize the recovery of the country from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, Anne Marie McMahon said, “Thanks to the sacrifice of so many people, there is a lot to be positive about. However, COVID-19 is still here. People are still dying from COVID-19 and getting seriously ill. So, when you are enjoying the outdoors this weekend please maintain the good practices that have got us to this position. Please do not gather in large groups. Please maintain social distancing. Please do not hold or attend house parties. Please remember to wash your hands regularly.”

An Garda Síochána will be continuing nationwide checkpoints and high visibility patrols across the country this weekend in support of public health regulations.

An Garda Síochána is again advising the public of the need to plan their activities over the weekend. The public should also be aware that if a driver is found to be in breach of the non-essential travel regulations that not only can the driver be fined, but their adult passengers as well. This is also the case for adults in groups undertaking activities such as cycling or walking – every adult in such a group can be fined.

When visiting amenities within the travel limit please park legally. Illegal parking can hinder access by emergency services and could put lives at risk. As we saw during previous weekends, people who illegally park are at risk of having their cars towed and impounded.

In enforcing these regulations, Gardaí have been using the 4Es approach – engaging, explaining, and encouraging with enforcement a last resort.

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 on 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.