As of today, Monday, 11th January 2021, members of An Garda Síochána have the authority to prosecute people breaching travel restrictions under Covid-19 regulations.

In a statement issued this evening An Garda Síochána say they have been consistent in their graduated policing response to supporting Public Health Regulations and guidelines in line with our tradition of policing by consent.

“This has seen Garda members engage, explain, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce” they said.

“From today, where breaches of the travel regulations are detected and a person does not comply with a direction of An Garda Síochána, a prosecution now can be commenced by means of a €100 Fixed Charge Notice.

“Where more appropriate, An Garda Síochána may seek a direction from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said today, "An Garda Síochána continues to see significant compliance by the public with Public Health Regulations, however we also continue to see some activity which is in contravention of these regulations introduced to stop the current spread of Covid-19 and protect our communities.

“I appeal to every person without a reasonable excuse for travel - Stay at Home, this is your duty as a citizen and will save lives and support our front line services, nurses, doctors, hospital staff and my Garda colleagues at this time.”

The COVID-19 Pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations, in particular essential journeys, in order to continue to save lives.

More details on the fixed charge notice system can be found on the Garda website.

Below are some examples of court outcomes of previous Garda enforcement activity:

• Co. Cavan, Male found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, €150 fine
• Co. Kildare, Male found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, €250 fine following appeal
• Co. Sligo, 2 Males found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, Both €300 fine
• Co Dublin, Male in breach of Covid Regulations directed to return home, observed still in breach of regulations at same location 2 hours later, €350 fine
• Co. Tipperary, Male found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, €400 fine
• Co. Dublin, Male found in breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, 30 days imprisonment
• Co. Leitrim, Male found in Breach of travel restrictions without reasonable excuse, 2 months’ Imprisonment.