Gardai could shut parks, beaches and forests this weekend if selfish spoilsports don’t stop breaking the 2km limit.
Public spaces are open as normal for locals living within 2kms of them to get their exercise and recreation during the coronavirus lockdown.
But the fine weather has led to what Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, has called “a slippage” where people have begun flocking again to the scenic public spaces more than 2kms from their home.
And if new orders signed into law to keep people within their 2km limit are ignored, some amenities across the nation could be completely shut down.
This was the stern warning from the Department of the Taoiseach on Thursday.
Assistant Secretary at the Department of the Taoiseach, Liz Canavan, outlined the possible next steps at yesterday’s daily government briefing.
She said: “I am reminding people that you should not travel outside two kilometres for your physical exercise.
“We know that a great many people are complying.
“Coillte (the forestry board) have told us that they have an 80% fall in visits to their forests and they want to thank you for that.
“Remember, if an amenity is not within your two kilometres zone, you shouldn’t visit.
“The car parks won’t be open. Where public health measures are not being complied with, it may result in the facility being closed for everyone, including those who do live within the two kilometres zone.”
Ms Canavan also warned that the gardaí would have extra enforcement in place this weekend to prevent people flooding across the border to enjoy our beauty spots.
She said: “There is excellent ongoing cooperation between An Garda Síochána and their colleagues in the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Points of contact have been established to monitor cross-border travel and to ensure that restrictions in this jurisdiction are adhered to.
“Key locations of concern have been identified and the guards will follow their usual approach to engage, educate, encourage and enforce as a last resort.”
