Gardai announce major operation on foot of Taoiseach's announcement

An Garda Síochána has this evening started a major nationwide policing operation focused on supporting public compliance with public health measures over this weekend.

Following recent announcements by An Taoiseach of the necessity for people to undertake a range of public health measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19, there will be high visibility patrolling by Garda members across the country during the weekend.

Gardai have said they will be running an intensive operation until 7am on Monday morning to encourage people to adhere to public health measures as announced by An Taoiseach. 

The policing operation runs from 7pm tonight until 7am on Monday and will involve thousands of Gardaí on foot, bike and mobile patrols.

Gardai said while they will seek to encourage people to maintain the necessary public health measures, they will intervene where venues or outlets are not in compliance or where groups of people are not adhering to recommended measures.

The statement continues: “An Garda Síochána acknowledges that the vast majority of the public are being responsible and making great efforts to implementing public health measures including social distancing guidelines, this includes staying active as a family unit and availing of fresh air and exercise. 

“However, the presence of large crowds in any one area reduces the effective impact of social distancing.  

“An Garda Síochána asks people and families to continue to be responsible, not to attend popular locations for overly long periods and where the numbers of persons starts to increase at any location to leave such areas.

Announcing An Garda Síochána’s operation for this weekend Commissioner Drew Harris said, "An Garda Síochána’s priority is keeping people safe and that will continue this weekend. There will be a major policing plan across the country with high visibility of Garda members at key locations.”