Gardaí will tomorrow begin a major operation to ensure compliance with COVID-19 restrictions through the Bank Holiday weekend.

Operation Fanacht will see over 2,500 officers on duty at all times from 7am tomorrow until next Monday night.

The operation will see large-scale checkpoints on the country’s major roadways and thousands of mobile checkpoints in towns, villages and on smaller routes.

There will also be high visibility patrols at major tourist locations, parks and natural beauty spots.

Deputy Commissioner for Policing and Security John Twomey said the last phase of the operation, over the Easter Weekend, saw a “high level of compliance from the public.”

“It is vital that we see that again,” he said.

“I want to thank the public for their co-operation so far. We know it has not been easy and has required significant sacrifices.

“We need this compliance to continue. This is a critical week for the country. If we all work together, we can help save the lives of our family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.”

Figures released last week indicated that 34 people had been arrested for breaching COVID-19 restrictions since Gardaí were given the power to enforce them.

Gardaí had also responded to 405 “COVID-19 related” incidents that started as breaches of the restrictions but became other offences.