Northern Ireland

Donegal Garda step up coronavirus travel crackdown

Gardai on the Muff-Derry border were stopping all cars yesterday.
Gardai on the Muff-Derry border were stopping all cars yesterday. Gardai on the Muff-Derry border were stopping all cars yesterday.

GARDAÍ have announced a major increase in the number of checkpoints it will be operating to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The increase, which came into effect yesterday coincides with new legislation which is expected to allow officers to turn back any northern registered car stopped more than 5km (3 miles) from the border unless the driver can prove the journey is essential.

Donegal Garda spokesman Niall Maguire said increased checkpoints would be in place throughout the county with a particular emphasis on the Letterkenny Garda division.

Garda Maguire said drivers could expect longer delays and said anyone found in breach of essential travel regulations could be fined along with any adults accompanying them in the vehicle.

“We’ve been given additional powers in relation to people from Northern Ireland. There was a lapse in the legislation in relation to enforcement of public health regulations for people from outside the jurisdiction. That has now been amended and our instructions are now that anybody 5km past the border now can be directed to turn around,” he said.

Garda Maguire said some visitors had been taking advantage of lapses in legislation in the past. He said there had been issues in west Donegal in recent days with holiday makers from the north.

“We are trying to engage with people and advise them exactly what they should and shouldn’t be doing under the legislation,” he said.

Gardaí have previously said they intend staging checkpoints on all major roads with an increased high visibility presence on minor roads.