Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the public's discipline during the coronavirus lockdown is "starting to slip" and that gardai are "still seeing house parties".
Mr Harris was speaking on Wednesday morning following the introduction of new garda powers to help enforce the Government's Covid-19 restrictions.
He said the new laws are now in effect and will be in place until midnight on Sunday.
Commissioner Harris added: "The discipline required to live by this medical advice is starting to slip a little.
"We're seeing people exercising more than two kilometres from their home.
"We're seeing people move for non-essential reasons and we're also seeing house parties.
"So these are areas where we may need the regulations in terms of enforcing the restrictions that are in place at the moment."
The garda chief also insisted that no member of the public is allowed travel further than 2km from their home for the Easter weekend unless it's an essential journey.
Mr Harris said people who are already in holidays homes ahead of Easter must now stay there.
He said: "If you are already in a holiday home then you need to stay there as that is your place of residence."
"If you are thinking of travelling there, then don't. That is not an essential journey."
