Thousands of gardaí are manning hundreds of checkpoints all over the country this morning as part of Operation Fanacht set up to police the Level 3 coronavirus restrictions.

Thousands of gardaí are manning hundreds of checkpoints all over the country this morning as part of Operation Fanacht set up to police the Level 3 coronavirus restrictions.
Checkpoints have been set up in regionally and on all the main arterial routes around Dublin to encourage people to remain in their own counties and to only undertake essential journeys.
7,000 people leave Portlaoise every day for Dublin, another 2,500 depart from Gorey. Those on educational and essential journeys are entitled to travel but with traffic levels having risen last week to 80% of the pre-Covid levels, Operation Fanacht is now under way to reduce the numbers on the roads.
132 checkpoints have been set up across the country and will remain for the duration of the policing operation which also includes high visibility and mobile patrols.
This morning, static checkpoints are in place on the outskirts of Dublin at Balbriggan, Finglas, Blackchurch and the Blessington Road but on the outbound roads to avoid major tailbacks.
Even though they do not have the legal power to stop people breaking the Level 3 restrictions, traffic is being delayed as gardaí question motorists and assess whose journey is essential and who is to be asked to turn back.
However, the Garda Commissioner insists their approach will remain community based.
Along with engaging, encouraging and explaining the public health restrictions, Drew Harris said that thousands of gardaí are also available to offer support, reassurance and assistance to the elderly, the vulnerable, those living alone or anyone who needs help.