Garda statistics show only 418 Covid breach penalties

GARDA statistics in relation to Covid-19 fines indicate that Clare is the most compliant county in the Southern region.
Over the course of 2021 to-date, 418 fines were issued in Clare out of a total of 6,041 in the region.
These were imposed for breaches of regulations, including the holding of house parties and travelling without a reasonable excuse.
The figure for Clare represents the lowest number of financial penalties issued in any of the divisions in the South.
By comparison, there were 429 fines issued in Kerry up to the end of April; 525 in Tipperary; 544 in West Cork; 745 in North Cork; 1,270 in Limerick and 2,100 in Cork City.
An analysis of fines issued in Clare in the month of April shows the average number was five per week.
As the phased re-opening of society and the economy continues, Kilmurry McMahon native and Deputy Garda Commissioner, Anne Marie McMahon, urged the public to keep up their vigilance.
“Thanks to the sacrifice of so many people, there is a lot to be positive about,’ Deputy Commissioner McMahon said.
“However, Covid-19 is still here. People are still dying from Covid-19 and getting seriously ill. So, when you are enjoying the outdoors this weekend please maintain the good practices that have got us to this position. Please do not gather in large groups. Please maintain social distancing. Please do not hold or attend house parties. Please remember to wash your hands regularly.”
Nationally, over 3,900 fines have been issued to-date to people attending or organising house parties and gatherings. Fines of €2,000 fines for international travel to airports and ports were imposed on 57 people so far this year. Fines of €500 for non-essential journeys to airports/ports were issued 1,277 people. In respect of house parties, 886 €500 fines were issued, relating to organising events. Just over and 3,000 fines of €150 were issued to those attending a house party
Nationally, 382 fines of €80 each were issued for not wearing a face covering
Over 400 fines of €100 were issued in respect of non-essential travel by persons not ordinarily resident in the State
A Garda statement said the force continues to find groups gathering including house parties, social gatherings and exercise sessions in breach of Covid-19 regulations.
They have warned that everyone involved can be fined, not just organisers.
Gardaí are encouraging people to plan their weekend activities in line with public health guidelines.
They have also asked that when visiting amenities, people park legally, saying access by emergency services can be hindered and lives put at risk.
Vehicles, in these situations, can be towed away and impounded.
Gardaí have also reiterated that anyone experiencing domestic violence or escaping a risk of harm, whether to themselves or to another person, are not subject to travel restrictions.
The force said it is continuing to appeal to anyone who may have been the victim of an incident of sexual or domestic crime, irrespective of whether they may have been on breach of any public health regulations, for instance by attending a house party, to report the incident and to come forward for help and support.