Garda warns of new fines for house parties, events, protests

Lake Garda now has the power to impose on-site fines on people who organize, attend or travel to a house party in violation of the Covid-19 rules. 16 such fines were imposed on Thursday.

About 63 fines for “not wearing face masks in certain places” were also imposed. The vast majority of these, 50 total, were given to people who fail to comply with the face mask rules in stores.

Fines of € 500 can now also be imposed for organizing “events”, including street protests, which are currently not permitted under Level 5 restrictions. The fine for organizing a house party is now € 500 and the sanction for attending a party is now € 150.

Regardless of this, a total of 2,400 fines have now been imposed on people for non-essential travel since these fines came into force last Monday for a fortnight.

About 1,000 of these fines were imposed last week, the highest number in the first three weeks of the new system.

While the government first announced a series of local fines last October, it took some time to install and test the IT infrastructure required to operate.

Due to the delay, the new € 100 fines could only be imposed from January 11 on those taking an unnecessary trip or more than 3 miles from home to exercise. Other fines only became fully operational this week.

Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin announced on Friday that the 16 house party-related fines imposed on Thursday were for organizing and attending parties in Limerick, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny and Carlow.

Lake Garda has once again reminded people to stay within 5 km of home while exercising, otherwise fines will be imposed. Nationwide checkpoints would be operational this weekend.

Fines also applied to vacationers traveling to and from an airport or port, as leisure trips abroad were not an essential trip.

Victim

Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said the “vast majority of people” are sticking to rules to combat the spread of Covid-19.

“They stay at home, only make important trips, and exercise within 3 miles of their homes. We appreciate the sacrifices they make and ask them to continue, ”he said.

However, other people did not obey the rules and put themselves and their family, loved ones and friends at risk.

“People are dying of Covid-19. The people are seriously ill, ”he said. “Our brave doctors, nurses, medical staff and other frontline workers risk their lives to protect others. They need our support and deserve our respect. The best way to do this is to stay at home.

“People should only travel essential, reduce their contacts, practice social distancing, and wash their hands. Please stay safe and protect others by staying at home. “