The Irish Government is set to introduce a raft of tighter measures around travel with checkpoints already at airports and train stations.
Officers conducted Covid-19 checkpoints for cars going to and from Dublin Airport over the weekend with many vehicles stopped and some drivers fined.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan confirmed on Monday morning that new restrictions were coming and that part of these measures included checkpoints at airports.
He added, Gardai are stopping people going to and from airports to establish why they are travelling.
The Gardai posted on Twitter: "Catching a flight? Is that journey essential? Gardaí at Dublin Airport are enforcing the 5k from home travel limit. Essential travel restrictions apply to flights from Dublin Airport. Holidays abroad are not deemed essential.
"Various checks on Public Health Regulations at ports/airports FPN can be issued for non essential travel, includes non essential international travel Arriving international travellers must present negative PCR test, failure can be prosecuted in District Court max €2500 fine."
The checkpoints switched between different sides of the road which meant people travelling to and from the airport were checked at different times.
One big checkpoint was located at the bottom of the M1, just past the entry and exit point for the Port Tunnel and operated from 7am to 9pm.
Gardai are also set to be given powers to deal with air and ferry passengers who do not have a negative PCR test.
Mr Ryan said that Gardai will be able to prevent them from travelling on into the country.
He also added that people travelling from certain countries, including South American countries and South Africa, can no longer travel to Ireland on a short-term holiday visa.
Checkpoints at Cork Airport also appeared over the weekend.
While passengers at Heuston Station in the capital were stopped before getting on trains and asked the purpose of their journey.
In the first 12 days of the operation, almost 1,000 fines have been imposed.
Mr Ryan also said Government will be seeking an all-island approach to travel arrangements in both jurisdictions.
He added: "If we could get an agreement on an all-island basis, if we could get an agreement with the (Northern Ireland) Executive, with the five parties, then absolutely, we will close the door that way.
"If that isn't possible, we will have to work very closely with the UK Government."
