The large-scale daily checkpoints on main routes will be in addition to thousands of mobile checkpoints in towns and villages across the country.

Gardaí will not have additional powers to enforce Level 3 restrictions throughout the country, it has been confirmed. An Garda Síochána has also confirmed, however, that there will be 132 large-scale checkpoints a day on main arterial routes around the country as part of the reintroduction of Operation Fanacht to support compliance with public health measures under the nationwide Level 3 status. In addition, there will also be thousands of mobile checkpoints on secondary routes in towns and villages every week for as long as Level 3 remains in place. Under Level 3 restrictions, people are being urged to remain in their own county unless it is for an essential reason. As a result of the Garda activity, drivers are being told to expect delays on the roads. Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, Commissioner Drew Harris said: "An Garda Síochána’s priority is keeping people safe. This will be a major policing operation across the country with high visibility of Garda members to support public health measures. "An Garda Síochána is encouraging people not to travel out of their county unless it is for essential purposes. "We want to advise people that will be conducting major checkpoints on main routes and travelling by road from tomorrow will be different from travelling today. People using the roads are likely to face delays. "Since the start of the pandemic, An Garda Síochána has adopted a graduated policing approach based on its tradition of consent. We have seen compliance by the vast majority of the public with this approach. "As an organisation rooted in the community, An Garda Síochána understands the difficulties these measures place on everybody. More than ever, we all need to work together and adhere to public health guidelines and regulations to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and save lives." The Level 3 restrictions will come into place across the country at midnight tonight.