covid breach Over 300 face fines of up to €500 for parties during lockdown

MORE than 300 people have been fined by gardaí for organising and attending house parties in breach of Covid-19 regulations.

The fine for organising a house party is €500, while it is €150 for attending one.

Gardaí said they have "intervened with house parties right across the country."

They also warned that "Covid-19 doesn't switch off for house parties, holidays or large gatherings".

A total of 310 fines were issued for organising and attending a house party.

New figures show more than 4,600 fines for breaches of Covid-19 regulations were issued by gardaí to date.

More than 3,500 fines were issued for non-essential travel including around 375 for non-essential journeys to airports and ports.

Over the last few days, gardaí have also attended breaches of health regulations by licensed premises, restaurants, retail outlets and hair and beauty salons amongst other business premises.

Files in relation to all of these breaches will be sent to the DPP.

Gardaí have also to date issued 94 fines for the non-wearing of face masks in certain locations, with 70 of these cases being in retail premises.

People are advised that under public health regulations they must wear a face mask in retail premises.

Gardaí will continue high visibility patrols this weekend.

Gardaí have said that while they say the majority are complying with regulations, "there also continues to be a minority who are putting themselves, their loved ones… at risk of getting Covid-19 by not adhering to the regulations," John Twomey, Deputy Commissioner for policing and security said.

"Covid-19 doesn't switch off so that people can attend parties, or go on holidays, or gather in large groups.

"The message is clear and has been for some time - people should only make essential journeys, reduce their contacts, practise social distancing, and wash their hands.

"Please stay safe and keep others safe by staying home."

Gardaí also said that a €100 fine for non-essential cross-border travel comes into operation on Monday.

Meanwhile six people will be before the District Courts in March 2021 for a non payment of a Covid-19 fine.

They will appear in Dublin, Cork, Meath, Waterford and Limerick.

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Online Editors