The Garda Commissioner has warned anyone that has travelled to a holiday home that they must now stay there until the COVID-19 lockdown is lifted.

Gardaí have been handed sweeping new powers to enforce the virus restrictions and have today launched a major enforcement operation.

Operation Fanacht will see thousands of checkpoints established on the roads as well as high-visibility patrols at tourist locations and natural beauty spots.

Garda Commission Drew Harris saying if you are now in your holiday home, you must stay put. #COVID19ireland @NewstalkFM pic.twitter.com/ycm68HSnIx

— Kacey O'Riordan (@KaceyORiordan) April 8, 2020

Launching the initiative this afternoon, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said anyone attempting to travel to a holiday home will be turned back.

“If you are at a holiday home now, you need to stay there,” he said. “That is now your place of residence.”

“If you are thinking of travelling there, don’t. That is not an essential journey […] we will be able to turn you back.”

Malin Head in County Donegal, 01-06-2020. Image: Patrick Swan/Zuma Press/PA Images

He said the new powers will not change the way officers do their jobs and he expects to see “very few requirements” for them to be put to use.

“Our approach is not changing,” he said. “We are a community-based policing service and we will be applying the same tactics that we have been all week.”

“It will be one of informing people, engaging with them and persuading them to comply with the regulations

“Enforcement will only be at the very end of non-compliance by an individual.”

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris inspecting the 319 new Gardaí at an Attestation Ceremony at the Garda Training College in Templemore, 20-03-2020. Image: Mark Condren/RollingNews

The new powers are currently set to remain in place until midnight on Easter Sunday; however, if the lock-down gets extended the powers will too.

Commissioner Harris said people need to redouble their efforts in following the guidelines as some have started to slip as the days go on.

“The discipline that is required to live by this medical advice is starting to slip a little,” he said.

“We are seeing things like people exercising more than 2km from their home, we are seeing people moving for non-essential reasons and we are also seeing house parties.

He said the new powers would be used where necessary but insisted the force does not “see this as a situation of conflict.”

“This is a situation of us all working together and acting together to minimise the threat of COVID-19,” he said.

Operation Fanacht is due to run from 12pm today until Monday night.