Long tailbacks are being reported in parts of the country this morning as the new coronavirus restrictions take effect.
132 garda checkpoints are being set up nationwide as part of Operation Fanacht, which will be in effect while level three restrictions are in place over the coming weeks.
It will involve checkpoints on main routes, as well as in towns and villages across the country.
AA Roadwatch this morning reported a queue of around 8km on the N7 westbound from J2 Kingswood to J5 Athgoe.
'Very slow' traffic is also being reported on the M11 / M50 near Bray, where checkpoints have also been set up.
Deputy Commissioner John Twomey was out this morning visiting Gardaí deployed at checkpoints on the N11 in support of #OperationFanacht. pic.twitter.com/3g7gNuORG0
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) October 7, 2020
The AA also says traffic remains "very heavy" on the M4 approach Celbridge.
Gardaí say the operation is "focused on supporting public compliance with public health measures", as people are being encouraged to remain in their county for all but essential reasons.
Enforcement
Recent days have seen increased debate about whether gardaí need additional enforcement powers to ensure the new restrictions are followed.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said extra powers are not needed for now, but the force will seek them if needed.
AA Director of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan told The Pat Kenny Show that he does not believe heavy enforcement is necessary on the roads at the moment.
He observed: "On things like speeding and drink driving, it's often very, very useful to have a Garda visible on the roadside, even if he's not doing detection.
"The mere fact that the Garda is there can tend to behave driver behaviour."
He said he struggles to see how a checkpoint in the morning commute is the best approach due to the problems it causes with traffic congestion.
However, he argued: "I do believe gardaí can do this job for us without the need for draconian powers - they've done it before.
"I think as a general rule, we don't want to give the gardaí draconian powers - and they don't want to have them."
He also suggested he's reassured that he's likely to meet gardaí on any journey he takes in the country, even if for essential reasons.
