Gardai will intensify a national crackdown on Covid-19 rule-breakers in the last two weeks of Level Five, amid new figures that show 45 breaches of public health regulations in just three weeks.
Latest figures show that Gardai have commenced nearly 500 prosecutions related to Covid-19, as fears grow of waning public compliance with pandemic restrictions.
In the last three weeks, Gardai have uncovered 29 alleged breaches by retail premises, as well as eight by premises licensed to sell alcohol.
Gardai have also sought advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions about how to proceed in seven alleged cases of Health Act breaches, as well as one alleged breach of the regulations around face coverings.
The step up in compliance checks and patrols will see more Gardai on foot and mountain bikes in particular public spaces, as authorities seek to stamp out violations of regulations put in place to minimise the spread of Covid-19.
Deputy Commissioner of Policing and Security John Twomey said today that it's "more important than ever, for the next 2 weeks of Level Five, that we all continue to work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the public health advice.
"While it has been disappointing at times to witness some activities by small numbers of individuals and groups I am encouraged by the overwhelming support and compliance being demonstrated right throughout our communities supporting Covid-19 Public Health guidelines," he said.
Mr Twomey's comments come as Gardai attempt to police by consent when it comes to enforcing the rules around Covid-19.
Despite the increase in foot and bike patrols, Gardai will maintain a "significant presence" on roads around the country in the last two weeks of Level Five, with static and rolling checkpoints to check public compliance with travel restrictions imposed on the country.
And officers will continue to check retail and business premises to ensure they're following regulations.
