Operation Fanacht relaunched on Tuesday morning and Gardai are out in force on the roads making sure lockdown restrictions are being followed.
Going into the weekend it will involve large-scale checkpoints on many main routes, and thousands of mobile checkpoints on secondary routes and in towns and villages.
The operation will also see Gardai conduct high visibility patrols at major tourist locations, parks and natural beauty spots to ensure compliance with restrictions.
If you are stopped by Gardai you may be asked a number of questions relating to the current restrictions and where you are headed.
These are what you are most likely to be asked if stopped;
Questions Gardai will ask at Covid-19 checkpoints
- Where are you going? It's only essential trips at the moment 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 2km, keep in mind they can check within less than a minute by your reg the address where the car is registered.
Garda powers if you are breaking lockdown rules
Officers now have the power to issue fines for breaches, break up house parties, and detain people who refuse to self-isolate.
Penalties include fines of up to €2,500 and up to six months in prison – but gardai say they will only be used as a last resort.
Compliance is 'vital'
Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said: "When we last ran Operation Fanacht there was a high level of compliance from the public. It is vital that we see that again.
"I want to thank the public for their co-operation so far. We know it has not been easy and has required significant sacrifices.
"We need this compliance to continue. This is a critical week for the country. If we all work together, we can help save the lives of our family, friends, neighbours and colleagues."
