Members of An Garda Síochána have announced plans for a major nationwide policing operation this weekend.

This will be focused on "supporting public compliance" with coronavirus health measures.

Following announcements by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, there will be high visibility patrolling by Garda members across the country.

The focus of this activity will be on encouraging people to adhere to these measures.

The policing operation runs from 7.00pm on Friday until 7.00am on Monday.

It will involve thousands of Gardaí on foot, bike and mobile patrols.

While the force says it will seek to encourage people to maintain the necessary public health measures, it will intervene where venues or outlets are not in compliance.

This will also apply to groups of people not adhering to the recommended measures.

An Garda Síochána says the vast majority of the public are being responsible and making great efforts to implementing public health measures - including social distancing guidelines.

However, the presence of large crowds in any one area reduces the effective impact of social distancing.

The force is asking people and families to continue to be responsible, not to attend popular locations for overly long periods and where the numbers of people starts to increase at any location to leave the area.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: "An Garda Síochána’s priority is keeping people safe and that will continue this weekend.

"There will be a major policing plan across the country with high visibility of Garda members at key locations.

"It is vital that people adhere to the social distancing guidelines. This will reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.

"The vast majority of people are complying with the guidelines and we want that to continue this weekend.

"By all of us working together, we can flatten the curve and keep our loved ones safe.”