More than 100 Garda checkpoints in operation every day when the country enters Level 3

MORE THAN 100 garda checkpoints will be operational on roads across the country every day as the country moves from Level 5 to Level 3 of Covid-19 restrictions tomorrow.

In a statement issued tonight, a spokesperson said An Garda Síochána (AGS) is “adapting its ongoing police operation in support of prevailing public health measures.”

As part of Operation Fanacht, more than 100 checkpoints will be carried out daily on major routes, supported by a series of mobile checkpoints, focusing on inter-county travel guidelines. At Tier 3, people are advised to only travel outside of their county for essential reasons.

Static checkpoints will operate outside peak hours, that is, from 10 am to 4 pm and from 7 pm to 9 pm

Fixed checkpoints on motorway and expressway routes will no longer be in place.

High visibility patrols will be carried out in various cities, urban areas and business premises in the lead up to Christmas. AGS said it will work with licensed and commercial venues to conduct patrols that “focus on the nighttime economy.”

Checks at authorized facilities, under Operation Navigation, will resume as many restaurants and pubs reopen in the coming days.

The spokesperson said that community engagement activity “will continue to focus on the vulnerable and those who feel isolated, particularly during the Christmas season,” and that “active and ongoing investigation of domestic abuse” will continue under Operation Faoiseamh.

No enforcement powers

Regarding the Covid-19 restrictions, the spokesperson added that gardaí will continue to use “the 4Es approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging, and only as a last resort, enforcement.”

AGS can only enforce criminal regulations, it has no powers to enforce public health guidelines.

Speaking today, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: “Throughout the pandemic, health advice and regulations have been followed very well by the public. It is critical that this continues at Level 3.

“While people can do more activities and travel more starting December 1, we must all remember that Covid-19 is still with us and we must act accordingly. We must all continue to play our role by following public health advice. This is the best way to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors. “