People arriving into Ireland are now legally obliged to tell authorities where they plan to self-isolate.

Anyone who refuses to fill out a passenger locator form faces a fine of up to €2,500 or a six-month jail term.

The forms themselves have been in pace since the start of the outbreak; however, up to now they were optional.

Dublin Airport immigration officer David Dernon told Newstalk that Gardaí will enforce the new rules where necessary.

“If, hypothetically, somebody decides to refuse the form, our colleagues form An Garda Síochána will be available to assist,” he said.

“They will have a conversation with them and hopefully encourage them to fill out the form as is the requirement under the new regulations.”

Pilots, diplomats and some transport workers don’t have to fill out the form – and people travelling to the North only have to fill in part of it.

Around 250 passengers had arrived into Dublin Airport by lunchtime today – and most were obliged to fill it out.

Mr Dernon said it is a relatively straight-forward process.

“Passengers are asked to provide their name and the address they will be residing in,” he said.

“They are asked to self-isolate for 14 days if they are not exempt under the regulations.”

Representatives of the tourism and hospitality industries have warned that the regulations will cause further damage at a time when other parts of Europe are preparing to reopen to visitors.

Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, head of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation said the measures will put people off coming here.

“Other countries are, if you like, opening up for business and relaxing restrictions while also being mindful of public health and I think Ireland needs to go in that direction,” he said.

“The tourism economy is just too important for the country and particularly for rural Ireland.”

The regulations are currently due to remain in force until June 18th.