Thirty-four people have been arrested for breaching COVID-19 restrictions since Gardaí were given the power to enforce them.

Gardaí have also responded to 405 “COVID-19 related” incidents that started as breaches of the restrictions but became other offences.

In a statement, Gardaí said the public has shown a high level of compliance with the guidelines since they were brought in.

Gardaí have been conducting checkpoints around the country and high-visibility patrols at tourist locations, natural beauty spots, parks and beaches since the regulations came into force.

The statement said officers have only used the enforcement powers as a last resort, attempting to “engage, educate and encourage” people to follow them first.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris delivering an update on the COVID-19 lockdown, 28-03-2020. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

Commissioner Drew Harris said: “An Garda Síochána’s role is to keep people safe through community engagement – particularly with the vulnerable – and our tradition of policing by consent.”

“In that spirit, Gardaí are engaging with a large amount of people every day and in the vast majority of cases they are complying with the public health guidelines.

“It is vital this continues because it will help save lives. I want to thank the public for this and also the great support they are giving to our members every day.”

An almost empty N11 at Kilmacanoge heading south to Wexford during COVID-19 restricitons, 10-04-2020 Photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews

He offered his sympathies to those who have lost loved ones to the virus and thanked the public for their sacrifices they are making to comply with the restrictions.

"It is for those reasons that there is a collective and individual responsibility to maintain compliance with the public health guidelines," he said.

Gardaí said the 34 people who have been arrested for breaching regulations were given a number of warning before their arrests.

The decision on whether to charge them was taken by the Director of Public Prosecutions and some are already before the courts.

Gardaí said the 405 COVID-19 related incidents led to offences including public order, assault, road traffic and drugs.

They said they included house parties, street parties, gatherings outside the family unit and non-essential travel.