Gardaí to continue clampdown - with extra patrols at scenic locations 

An Garda Síochána has announced the continuation of its major operation to ensure compliance with the travel restrictions - introduced as part of the Covid-19 public health guidelines.

The operation – Operation Fanacht - will once again see an extensive network of checkpoints established across the country. It will run from 7am tomorrow (Tuesday), April 28 until the end of the May Bank Holiday weekend next Monday night, May 4.  

The operation will also see Gardaí conduct high visibility patrols at major tourist locations - such as parks, beaches and other natural beauty spots - to ensure compliance with restrictions.

It will again involve large-scale checkpoints on many main routes, and thousands of mobile checkpoints on secondary routes and in towns and villages. 

At any one time, there will be over 2,500 Gardaí involved in checkpoints or high visibility patrolling. 

Operation Fanacht previously ran from April 8 until April 13, including the Easter weekend.

Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said: "When we last ran Operation Fanacht there was a high level of compliance from the public. It is vital that we see that again." 

"I want to thank the public for their co-operation so far. We know it has not been easy and has required significant sacrifices.  

"We need this compliance to continue. This is a critical week for the country. If we all work together, we can help save the lives of our family, friends, neighbours and colleagues,” continued Deputy Commissioner Twomey.

He added that it had been long planned to run Operation Fanacht again during this week in the run up to and over the May Bank Holiday weekend.