GARDAI are to target cross border travellers in a fresh crackdown over the spread of the Coronavirus.
From Monday, February 8, those living in the Northern Ireland who cross the border without a reasonable excuse will be liable to a fine of €100.
Garda patrols will be stepped along the Derry-Donegal crossing points to clamp down on unnecessary travel into the Republic.
In a statement, Gardai said: “An Garda Síochána wishes to advise people engaged in cross-border travel that from 7am on Monday 8 February 2021 anyone not ordinarily resident in this State engaging in travel in this jurisdiction without a reasonable excuse may be liable to receive a fine of €100.
“The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No.10) Regulations 2020, as amended, are currently in force.
“These regulations currently state, ‘any other person who is not ordinarily resident in the State shall not travel within a relevant geographical location without reasonable excuse.”
“From Monday, 8 February 2021, if enforcement is required, Gardaí will issue a Fixed Payment Notice (FPN) for €100 to every adult present who is in breach of this regulation.
“For example, if the driver of a car has two adult passengers then each of the three adults in the car will receive a €100 fine.”
Gardaí have said more than 4,500 people have been fined for breaches of Covid-19 restrictions – of which 3,500 were for non-essential travel.
Since 29 January, more than 375 fines have been issued at Dublin Airport to people leaving the country.
People travelling to an airport or port to take a holiday abroad are now liable for a €500 fine.
Gardaí say they have also intervened in house parties across the country, and fined 300 people for either organising or attending a house party.
The fine for organising a house party is €500, with a €150 fine for attending a house party.
Ninety-four people have been fined for not wearing masks, with more than 70 of those in shops and supermarkets.
Six people are due to appear before district courts in Dublin, Cork, Meath, Waterford and Limerick for non-payment of their fines. People issued with fines have 28 days to pay them.
Gardaí have said that over the past few days, they have observed breaches at licensed premises, restaurants, retail outlets, hair and beauty salons and other businesses.
They have also advised people this weekend to stay home to protect themselves and their loved ones.
On Friday, the Republic’s Department of Health said there had been a further 35 further Coronavirus-related deaths and 1,047 new cases.
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