Gardaí provide update on fines for Covid-19 breaches

An Garda Síochána has issued approximately 12,000 fines across the range of all Covid-19 breaches.

As of close of business on March 4, the following number of fines had been issued:

*9,021 €100 fines for non-essential travel

*445 €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 820

*370 €500 fines for organising a house party and 1,416 €150 fines for attending a house party

*218 fines of €80 each for not wearing a face covering

*103 fines of €100 for non-essential travel by persons not ordinarily resident in the State

A total of 152 fines have been issued in the Westmeath Garda division, while the corresponding figure for the Roscommon/Longford division is 283.

The total number of fines issued as of March 4 is made up of 11,607 fines that have been processed and approximately 340 that are being checked and processed.

The €100 fine for anyone not ordinarily resident in this State engaging in travel in this jurisdiction without a reasonable excuse came into effect on February 8.

A person who receives a fine can request an appeal. People issued with a Covid-19 related fine have 28 days to pay the fine. Failure to pay the FPN (fixed payment notice) can result in conviction for a first offence in the District Court with a fine of €1,000 and/or imprisonment.

In a press release, An Garda Síochána said it continues to find groups gathering (house parties, social gatherings, exercise etc.) in breach of regulations.

“These are not just breaches of regulations but are a risk to the individuals involved, their families and loved ones, and continue to put everybody’s health and the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic at risk. Recent surveys have shown that the majority of people believe that they are doing the right thing, but the reality is that the level of casual contacts remains high.”

An Garda Síochána said it will be continuing nationwide checkpoints and high visibility patrols at public amenities, parks and beauty spots across the country in support of public health regulations.

Gardaí have reminded people that the 5km travel limit includes the distance travelled from their home to a location for exercise. In other words, you can’t travel more than 5km to a location to exercise.

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 5km of your home, people are asked to please park legally. Illegal parking can hinder access by emergency services and could put lives at risk. People who illegally park are at risk of having their cars towed and impounded.

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

Gardaí have reminded the general public that 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.

Anyone who has been the victim of an incident of sexual or domestic crime irrespective of whether they may have been in breach of any public health regulations - for instance by attending a house party - has been urged to report all such incidents to Gardaí.

Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, Anne Marie McMahon said: "The vast majority of people are compiling with the public health regulations. In doing so, they have made major sacrifices. This effort has saved many lives. We thank them for that.

"To continue to save lives and eventually return to some level of normality we need to further reduce the numbers of people getting COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in this. Everyone has a responsibility to themselves, those they love, and those they come into contact with to adhere to the public health advice.

“If you are going out, please stay within your 5km, limit your contacts with others, maintain social distancing, and regularly wash your hands,” she added.