Three counties in Munster have been hit with the largest number of fines for breaches of Covid-19 regulations, the Irish Independent can reveal.
More than one-quarter of all fines handed to members of the public have been issued in Limerick, Cork and Waterford.
Gardaí have fined around 13,600 people between 100 and 500 each for a range of offences including going further than 5km from home without a valid reason and organising house parties. The fines total almost 1.8m. Half of those hit with a fine are aged 25 or under and three- quarters are male.
An analysis of Garda statistics shows the number of fines issued in Co Limerick up to Thursday, March 11, was 530 per 100,000 of population. Limerick city hit the headlines last week after videos emerged of a large street party.
The second highest number of recorded breaches was in Cork where gardaí issued 2,277 fines, the equivalent of 419 per 100,000 residents. Waterford ranks third with 358 per 100,000.
The lowest number of fines issued to date was in Kildare where officers only issued 120 fines per 100,000.
Deputy Garda Commissioner Anne Marie McMahon said the vast majority of people are complying with public health regulations. But she added: Unfortunately, despite the constant public health advice, we are still seeing people attending house parties and other large social gatherings. Going to such gatherings puts yourself, your loved ones, and everyone else you come into contact with after of getting Covid-19.
Gardaí say the number of fines issued per division will vary depending on a number of factors including population size, the geographic area covered, local economy, travel patterns and public amenities.
Across the country, they have issued 13,600 Covid-19 fines to date, totalling 1,794,920. Just 39pc have been paid so far but those affected have 28 days to settle the bill or take an appeal.
Anyone who fails to pay their fine within 28 days will be summoned to a court hearing where they can face a 1,000 fine or imprisonment. Gardaí also believe the potential for court hearings being reported on by the media will act as a deterrent for people who might consider not paying.
Young people are by far the worst offenders based on the number of fines issue; 53pc of fines were issued to people aged 18-25. Another 24pc were in the 26-35 age group, 13pc in the 36-45 age group, 6pc in the 46-55 years age cohort, 3pc in the 56-65 age group and 1pc in the 65-plus age group.
Gardaí have issued 420 fines for 500 to people for organising parties while 1,620 people have been issued with 100 fines for attending a party.
Gardaí warned the public that Covid-19 doesnt take a break from house parties and social gatherings in the wake of these statistics.
Such gatherings put at risk not only those attending but everyone they come into contact with after including loved ones, neighbours, colleagues and local community and continue to put everybodys health and the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic at risk.
Up to Thursday 10,013 100 fines for non-essential travel had been issued and 915 fines were issued for non-essential trips to airports and ports. Out of these, 538 were a 500 fine.
There have also been 144 fines of 100 issued to people not ordinarily resident in Ireland for non-essential travel reasons. As of yesterday, 244 80 fines were issued to people for not wearing a mask.
Irish Independent