What students should have if stopped by garda checkpoint on way to or from college

Students at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) have been advised to carry a print copy of their academic timetable in case they’re stopped at a Garda checkpoint en route to college, in what is surely good advice for those around the country.

A spokesperson for the Waterford college said students can still travel outside their 5km radius and go to college – but only for "essential on-campus activity".

“With the introduction of Level 5 restrictions, we are mindful that some students may encounter garda checkpoints as they travel to or from college,” the spokesperson said. 

“Following discussions with the gardaí, we have been advised that regulations have been updated to reflect the changes and this allows for travel to education outside of your five kilometre radius for essential on-campus activity.”

Gardai operate a Covid-19 Checkpoint on the N7 (Collins Agency, Dublin)

Students have been urged to “ensure to have your student card with you and a printed copy or screenshot of your academic timetable showing the day and time of your onsite classes to verify your reason for travel”.

Students have been left battling uncertainty in recent times when it comes to the shape their college year will take amid ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. 

Almost all universities have already signalled their willingness to issue refunds to students forced to move out of their accommodation by the imposition of Level Five restrictions. 

Last week, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said students living away from home are “not allowed” to travel home and visit their families at the weekends. 

Mr Donnelly said: “The law for them is the same as the law for everybody else, which is: stay at home.

“Their home is where they are living for college,” he told Pat Kenny on Newstalk. 

He added: “They can not return to their families unless it is for one of the reasons given.

“So for example, if a student has an elderly relative, say an elderly mum or dad who is at home and who needs help, who genuinely needs help and they need to go home and help them at the weekend, that’s absolutely fine.

“But if it's just for a visit home, for the next six weeks that is not allowed.”