Parties, roads and public spaces across Kilkenny targeted in Garda Easter clampdown

Gardai in Kilkenny will be out in force this Easter weekend and are urging people to “reduce their social interactions”.

An Garda Síochána have confirmed they will be targeting three areas as part of their clampdown to try and curb the spread of Covid-19; roads, public amenities and any reports of large social gatherings.

A local Garda spokesperson confirmed there will be high visibility patrols at public amenities, parks and beauty spots across the county; checkpoints across the road and motorway network in county Kilkenny; and quick responses to any reports of events, gatherings or parties.

The clampdown follows the release of the latest figures for fines issued due to breaches of Covid-19 restrictions.

To date, gardai have issued approximately 18,125 Covid-19 fines across the range of all Covid breaches.

More than 3,000 fines have been issued to people attending or organising house parties: 686 €500 fines for organising a house party and 2,383 €150 fines for attending a house party.

There have been 13,036 €100 fines have been for non-essential travel, 1,300 €500 or €100 fines for non-essential journeys to airports/ports, 315 fines of €80 each for not wearing a face covering, and 339 fines of €100 for non-essential travel by persons not ordinarily resident in the State

Deputy Commissioner Anne Marie McMahon said: “Despite constant public health advice, people are still attending house parties and other social gatherings.

“Attending such gatherings are a breach of the Health Regulations.

“The best way of keeping safe this Easter weekend is to stay home. If you are going out to exercise, please stay within your 5km limit,” Deputy Commissioner McMahon added.