Gardai roll out additional measures across county
THE GARDAI have implemented additional policing measures across County Wexford as part of the national support of the Level 5 lockdown.
Under the banner of ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’, the gardaí implemented the measures in line with the Government’s plan for Living with Covid-19 that was announced on Wednesday.
The new measures include additional static checkpoints on national routes under Operation Fanacht.
They began at 7 a.m. on Thursday and will be supported by mobile checkpoints, which were introduced two weeks ago.
Speaking about the new measures Inspector Syl Hipwell, from Enniscorthy Garda Station, said the checkpoints and inspections will be on a similar level to what they were during the first lockdown.
Among the other measures announced last week was the re-deployment of gardai to the front line including 70 garda trainees who were deployed training in garda stations who will be attested once they successfully complete their initial phase one training.
However, Insp Hipwell said it will be very unlikely that County Wexford will see many of the additional gardai being deployed here.
However, he said that there will be gardai carrying out permanent checkpoints in the Enniscorthy district and similar measures will be carried out around the county.
Nationally, 60 garda reserves who have already successfully completed their training will also be attested around the country.
Speaking about the national programme, Deputy Garda Commissioner, John Twomey, said keeping people safe remains the number one priority for the gardai.
He said the new measures will ‘further support that work’.
‘The additional checkpoints combined with high visibility patrolling in key locations will help Government and societal efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19,’ he said.
‘We all have a role to play in tackling the pandemic,’ he added, before commenting that to-date, there has been widespread compliance with public health advice and regulations.
‘Now, more than ever, we all need to adhere to the public health advice,’ he said.
He reiterated the health authority’s general safety advice and urged people to stay at home, only make essential journeys, minimise the amount of people you meet, wear a face mask, maintain social distancing and wash hands regularly.
The gardai also highlighted the fact that this is a difficult time for everyone but particularly those who feel vulnerable or isolated.
‘Gardaí around the country have been helping people with everyday tasks like collecting prescriptions and doing shopping, and are also available to stop by for a socially distanced chat,’ said Dep Commissioner Twomey.
‘If you need help or know someone who does, please contact your local Garda station,’ he added.
The current restrictions are partly governed by the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No.10) Regulations 2020.
Under Operation Fanacht the checkpoints are being utilised on national routes, and the gardai will also be engaging in high visibility patrolling of key locations such as public amenities, scenic areas and parks.
Public health advice is to avoid crowded areas and if parking facilities at public amenities are closed people are urged not to park illegally as this can hinder access by emergency services.
The gardai are also going to continue to investigate any alleged breaches of Public Health regulations under Operation Navigation (Licensed Premises) and Operation Treoraim (Non Essential Retail).
Domestic abuse incidents will also be prioritised under Operation Faoiseamh and the gardai highlighted that travel restrictions do not apply in the case of domestic violence or in a case where people are trying to escape from potential harm.
Anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse or if you know of someone who is a victim contact 999 or 112 or contact a member of the gardai on patrol or at a checkpoint.