Gardaí are set to increase their patrols in public spaces over the final two weeks of Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions.
From today, they will particularly focus on gatherings of large groups in open spaces.
This will result in an increased Garda activity on foot and mountain bikes and vehicle patrols in identified public spaces.
New figures published by the Gardaí today show there have been 493 COVID-related prosecutions instigated since the restrictions were first introduced.
In the last three weeks since the beginning of Level 5, there have been 29 alleged breaches by retail outlets, eight alleged breaches by pubs and one alleged breach for face-covering regulations.
Gardaí say they will continue to maintain "a significant presence on our roads" through checkpoints to ensure people are complying with travel restrictions.
Over the next fortnight, they will also continue to check retail and business premises and to provide support to vulnerable people in the community.
Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said it was "more important than ever" for people to work together to combat the spread of COVID-19.
He said: "While it has been disappointing at times to witness some activities by small numbers of individuals and groups, I am encouraged by the overwhelming support and compliance being demonstrated right throughout our communities supporting COVID-19 Public Health guidelines.
"An Garda Síochána will focus our activities this weekend on these activities which are causing concern to the majority in our society.
"At this time of public health pandemic, An Garda Síochána continues to urge the public to look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.
"It is more important than ever, for the next two weeks of Level 5, that we all continue to work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the public health advice.”
