Checkpoints will return to major roadways around the country tonight as Gardaí work to stop people travelling across county borders.

Operation Fanacht will see 132 large-scale checkpoints a day for the next three weeks. There will also be “thousands” of mobile checkpoints on secondary routes in towns and villages.

The entire country will move to Level Three coronavirus restrictions from midnight tonight, with people urged not to leave their home county unless they are travelling for essential reasons.

Gardaí will also begin “high visibility patrolling” across the country in a bid to encourage people to follow the guidelines.

At the peak of the April lockdown, Gardaí were handed extra powers to police the restrictions; however, there are currently no plans to do the same this time around.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris says the additional funding promised by government hasn’t been settled, but he reckons AGS needs an extra €15 million pic.twitter.com/nNCQHC0Fs4

— Kacey O'Riordan (@KaceyORiordan) October 6, 2020

Launching the operation this afternoon, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said he doesn’t expect to see any need for them.

“If the situation deteriorates and we see behaviour from members of the public which is obviously going to increase the risk and we need these enforcement powers, then we will be asking for them,” he said.

“But, if you bear in mind the very limited extent to which the enforcement powers had to be used in April and May, I think this is a prudent position to start with.”

Gardaí on patrol in a car on Henry Street in Dublin today, 06-10-2020. Image: Leon Farrell/RollingNews

He said the powers will only be re-introduced if it becomes very clear that they are needed.

“If we need more powers, it needs to be evidence-based and it should be entirely apparent to the public that something more is required,” he said.

“So, if we are faced with a situation where a member of the public refuses to comply, after we have used a point of education, of encouragement, then, if that becomes a pattern, enforcement will become an issue.”

Vulnerable

Commissioner Harris said officers would continue to protect and support the vulnerable through the pandemic.

“An Garda Síochána understands the difficulties these measures place on everybody,” he said.

“More than ever, we all need to work together and adhere to public health guidelines and regulations to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.”

Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said: “Your local Gardaí are here to help whether that is delivering medical prescriptions, collecting your pension or other supports you may need.

"Any person with these concerns for themselves or for a neighbour please contact your local Garda station,” he said.

He said victims of domestic abuse “remain a priority” while restrictions are in force and Divisional Protective Service Units will remain “fully resourced.”