A total of 18,125 Covid-19 fines have been issued.

Now new figures show the breakdown of the people caught breaching the restrictions – and a whopping 75% of offenders are male.

According to details released by An Garda Síochána, just 25% of those flouting the Level 5 coronavirus restrictions were female. Gardaí in Cork City handed out 1,888 fines, with 625 in North Cork and 445 in West Cork.

Saturday and Sunday were the most popular days for breaking the rules and more than half of all fines (53%) were handed to young people aged between 18 and 25.

People aged 26 – 35 were the next most likely to receive a fine, with 24% of the breaches carried out by people in this age group.

As of the close of business on March 31st, 2021, the following number of fines had been issued:

• 13,036 €100 fines for non-essential travel
• 686 €500 fines for organising a house party and 2,383 €150 fines for attending a house party
• 976 €500 fines for non-essential journeys to airports/ports – the total number of €100 and €500 fines for non-essential journeys to airports/ports is in excess of 1,300
• 315 fines of €80 each for not wearing a face covering
• 339 fines of €100 for non-essential travel by persons not ordinarily resident in the State

“An Garda Síochána acknowledges the impact Covid-19 restrictions are having on people, but the restrictions are keeping people safe and reducing the spread of Covid-19 in the community,” said Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, Anne Marie McMahon.

“Despite constant public health advice, people are still attending house parties and other social gatherings. Going to such gatherings puts you, your loved ones, and everyone else you come into contact with subsequently, at risk of exposure to Covid-19. Attending such gatherings are a breach of the Health Regulations.

“The best way of keeping safe this Easter weekend is to stay home. If you are going out to exercise, please stay within your 5km limit.”