Ireland recorded its hottest day of the year on Saturday as temperatures reached 20C.
However, with so many people enjoying the good weather and sunshine, gardaí have appealed to the public to act responsibly regarding Covid-19 regulations as they carry out patrols at busy locations around the country.
In a statement, they said: "An Garda Síochána is again advising the public to plan their activities over the weekend to take account of the new limitation on non-essential travel.
The spokesperson added that they will maintain high visibility across three main areas; public amenities, parks and beauty spots.
"With good weather forecast this weekend, gardaí are asking everyone to continue acting responsibly and to stay safe from Covid. Gardaí are continuing high visibility patrols at public amenities, parks and beauty spots across the country this weekend, " they state.
Aside from this, motorists have been warned that illegal parking at such locations is a health and safety hazard. Any cars that are deemed to be illegally parked can be towed away and impounded.
Deputy Commissioner of Policing and Security, Anne Marie McMahon has said: "The vast majority of people are continuing to comply with the public health regulations. This is making a positive difference in tackling the spread of Covid-19. However, we still need to be vigilant and continue to do the right things.
"With good weather forecast this weekend we would ask people to continue to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Please limit your social contacts. Please do not meet in large groups. Please do not attend parties or gatherings held inside or outside.”
Earlier this week, An Garda Síochána confirmed that they've issued approximately 20,566 fines across the range of all Covid-19 breaches.
As of April 22, the breakdown for these fines is as follows:
• 14,730 €100 fines for non-essential travel
• 1,253 €500 fines for non-essential journeys to airports/ports – the total number of €100 and €500 fines for non-essential journeys to airports/ports is 1,628
• 745 €500 fines for organising a house party and 2,918 €150 fines for attending a house party
• 378 fines of €80 each for not wearing a face covering
• 405 fines of €100 for non-essential travel by persons not ordinarily resident in the State
All figures provided are operational and subject to change due to administrative functions in the processing of fines such as terminations or recording practices.
