Gardai were forced to arrest a driver at a Covid checkpoint before they admitted the person had multiple rule breaks.
The driver refused to take a roadside breath test and was arrested in Castleisland, Co Kerry, on Saturday evening.
Gardaí were also told by the driver they had visited a friends house, which was outside of the 5km limit, the night before for drinks.
They posted on Facebook: "Kerry RPU on an #OperationFanacht checkpoint in Castleisland stopped this car and spoke to the driver.
"Driver refused a roadside breath test and was arrested.
"Driver told Gardaí they had visited a friends house, which was outside of the 5km limit, the night before for drinks.
"Investigation ongoing.
"Our checkpoints will continue throughout the country to encourage adherence to the public health guidelines Keeping the community safe is our number one priority during this pandemic.
"We all have a part to play in this.
"Staying at home and limiting contact with others will save lives. "
Ireland is currently under a Level Five lockdown once again - the most restrictive form of measures.
You are now no longer to travel more than 5km from home for a non-essential reasons, and the advice is to stay at home whenever possible.
Here is all you need to know about the fines and punishments for breaking the current measures:
Here's all the offences we know of to date, and how much breaking rules will cost you:
Face masks
Refusing to wear a face mask in shops and on public transport will see fines of €500 issued.
5km travel limit
On the spot fines up to €500 will also be handed out to people who flout lockdown rules.
A €60 fine on a first offence could be given to anyone who breaches the 5km travel rule, however, this is unconfirmed.
House parties
A government source confirmed to the Irish Mirror that gardai can call to a house party and ask the owner to break up the party but can’t enter the home.
If they refuse, they can face a €1,000 on their first offence or put behind bars for a month.
It’s understood the fines will increase on the second offence to €1,500 and the homeowner could face a three month stint in jail.
The fine increases to €2,500 if caught a third time.
Gardai will also be given the powers to fine anyone who refuses to leave an area where they believe a person is on their way to a party.
Meanwhile thousands of gardai up and down the country are currently manning checkpoints enforcing the current restrictions.
Here is everything you need to know about what will happen if you stop at one:
What they will ask you
- Where are you going? It's against new rules to travel more than 5km from your home, so the first question is where you are travelling too.
- Do you have a letter from work? All essential workers should have been given a letter from their employer which permits them to travel around - it's important you bring this with you if you have one.
- Where do you live? Gardai will ask where you are travelling from to check if you are within your radius, keep in mind they can check within less than a minute by your reg the address where the car is registered.
- Non-essential workers can only leave their 5km radius for essential reasons, such as caring for a sick or vulnerable loved one.
Exceptions
Gardai have reiterated that there are a number of exceptions to the 5km travel ban and have put increased emphasis on supports in place for domestic abuse victims.
They have added that the rules do not apply to victims and have mounted a major operation to support victims of abuse.
A spokesman said: "An Garda Síochána understands that the move to Level 5 may once again increase the anxiety and fear felt by those who may be victims of domestic abuse.
"An Garda Síochána is here to help. Victims of domestic abuse incidents, including coercive control, will continue to receive highest priority response for service.
Travel restrictions DO NOT APPLY in the case of domestic violence or to escape a risk of harm, whether to the person or to another person.
"If you are a victim of abuse or you know of a family member or friend who is a victim of such abuse, that information is important to us and I ask that you make contact with An Garda Síochána. If you require urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112, we are there to listen to help and to protect.
"If you are unable to make phone contact please approach any member of An Garda Síochána on duty, on patrol, on a checkpoint and look for assistance, we are here to help."
