Nationwide checkpoints will continue this weekend.

An Garda Síochána is advising people to stay home to protect themselves and their loved ones, after 16 fines were issued to people for organising or attending house parties on Thursday.

“People undertaking non-essential journeys are liable for a fine of €100 and since being introduced (on January 11th, 2021), over 2,400 fines to date have been issued by Gardaí to people who left their homes without a reasonable excuse.” Gardaí said in a statement.

“In addition, Gardaí can now issue people with a fine for organising a party in their house or for attending such a gathering. The fine for organising a house party is €500 and attending a house party is €150.”

A total of 16 fines were issued yesterday to organisers and attendees at house parties in locations including Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Kilkenny/Carlow.

Breaching the rules could be costly

As attending a party is non-essential travel – even if it is in your neighbour’s house – Gardaí also have the option of issuing the €100 non-essential travel fine to anyone going to or from a party. In addition, Gardaí can issue a fine of €500 for organising other relevant events as per the public health regulations.

People undertaking non-essential journeys are liable for a fine of €100

1,983 fines have been processed since 11 January 2020 and approximately further 450 are currently being checked and processed pic.twitter.com/ENVv56DRkj

— Garda Info (@gardainfo) January 29, 2021

Gardaí have also reminded the public that if a driver is found to be in breach of the non-essential travel regulations that not only can the driver be fined, but their adult passengers as well. This is also the case for adults in groups undertaking activities such as cycling or walking – every adult in the group can be fined.

Furthermore, 63 fines have been issued for the non-wearing of face masks in certain locations with the vast majority of these – 50 – being in retail premises.

“The vast majority of people are continuing to play their part in tackling the spread of Covid-19,” said Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey.

“However, there are still some people putting themselves their loved ones, their friends, and their neighbours at risk of getting Covid-19 by not adhering to the regulations. People are dying from Covid-19. People are seriously ill.

“Our brave doctors, nurses, medical staff and other front-line workers are putting their lives on the line to protect others. They need our support and they deserve our respect. The best way of doing this is to stay home.”