There will be a big rise in checkpoints on Irish roads as gardai are set to tackle planned St Patrick's Day protests in Dublin.
Thousands of officers will be working up and down the country, particularly on routes into the capital.
The city itself will also see a greater garda presence, including restrictions and cordons that will "hinder easy movement" in the area.
Gardai said that a number of protests are being planned on social media by "disparate groups" against the current lockdown measures.
A spokesman said: "On St Patrick’s Day, at any one time, more than 2,500 Gardaí will be on duty across the country. They will be engaged in a wide-range of activity to support public health measures.
"This includes high visibility patrolling at public amenities; conducting checkpoints focused on non-essential travel and people exercising outside 5km of their home; road safety activity; managing any large gatherings that may occur, and providing support for the vulnerable including victims of domestic abuse.
"Multiple protest events are being planned on social media by disparate groups in different locations in Dublin city centre, which will require a significant Garda policing operation. An Garda Síochána is advising the public to refrain from any non-essential journeys to the city centre on the day as restrictions and cordons will be in place that may hinder easy movement around the city.
"In relation to these protest events, a policing plan is in place and An Garda Síochána will be deploying a large number of Garda personnel supported by national units such as the dog unit, the mounted unit, air support, and public order.
"In addition, checkpoints will be in place on arterial routes into the city and checks will be conducted on public transport over the course of St Patrick’s Day.
"In line with public health advice, in the first instance, An Garda Síochána would ask people not to organise or attend such protests.
"In all its engagement with the public, as has been the case during the pandemic, An Garda Síochána will continue to use its 4Es approach – engaging, explaining, and encouraging with enforcement a last resort.
"Any Garda activity in relation to evolving events will be in line with this graduated policing response taking into account public health regulations and advice."
Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner Anne Marie McMahon called on members of the public to stay at home where possible for the big day.
She said: "While it won’t be a normal St Patrick’s Day, we can still all enjoy the day safely at home.
"Staying home this St Patrick’s Day is the best thing people can do for their country and the best thing they can do for the people they know and love.”
