Over 30 fines issued at Ballymahon amenity for 5km breaches

A Sunday walk in the forest came with a big penalty for some as gardai dished out over 30 fines in Newcastle Woods, Ballymahon, to those found to be breaching the 5km restrictions at the weekend.

Approximately 70 vehicles were also turned around at the checkpoint on Sunday and more than 30 fixed payment notices were issued to parked vehicles found to be in excess of their 5km, gardai have confirmed.

Roscommon/Longford Roads Policing Unit undertook the operation in Newcastle Woods, a hugely popular forest amenity, particularly at weekends, in support of public health measures.

They reminded the public that under the current regulations only essential journeys are permitted and exercise can only be taken up to 5km from your residence.

It comes as more than 170 fixed charge notices were also issued by gardaí in Wicklow over the weekend, due to people exceeding the 5km limit for non-essential journeys.

Gardaí say that despite widespread compliance with Level 5 restrictions, the mountainous area was an exception, with cautions issued to more than 200 motorists and cars turned back on Saturday alone.

Under Level 5 restrictions, people are required to stay at home except for travel for work, education, or other essential purposes, but can exercise within 5 kilometres of their home.

A series of fines for breaches of Covid-19 guidelines came into effect into law recently, and the weekend checkpoints are being seen as a high profile warning to the public about obeying the rules.

For example, someone travelling without a reasonable excuse can be fined €100 while organising an unlawful social or recreational gathering at home has a €500 penalty.

Ignoring a request to wear a face-covering carries a fine of €80.

A court summons may be issued if fines are not paid within 28 days.

As of today (Monday) An Garda Síochána has issued over 400 fines for non-essential travel.

The vast majority of these fines – over 300 - were issued over the weekend for suspected breaches of the public health regulation relating to non-essential travel.