NI motorists stopped from crossing border as police target people ignoring COVID-19 lockdown rules

The checkpoint along the border between Londonderry and Donegal is one of thousands that will be deployed between 12.00pm on Wednesday April 8 through to Monday April 13.

More than 2,500 Gardai officers will be involved in setting up checkpoints or high visibility patrolling at any one time.

The checkpoints are part of Operation Fanacht which was launched on Wednesday.

Operation Fancht gives Gardai emergency powers designed to slow down the spread of COVID-19.

Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said, "This significant policing operation is designed to support travel restrictions put in place to help flatten the curve and save lives.

"There has been very good compliance with the travel restrictions and we want to thank the public for this. However, it is vital that this continues over the coming days and over the weekend. This will save lives.

"In particular, we would ask people who are thinking of travelling to parks, natural beauty spots or holiday homes outside of the 2km limit not to do so. We are sending them a clear message that if they are stopped at a checkpoint they will be turned back.”

The operation will also see Gardaí conduct high visibility patrols at major tourist locations, parks and natural beauty spots to ensure compliance with travel restrictions.

To date, 78 people have died after testing positive for COVID-19 in Northern Ireland; there have been 235 deaths recorded in the Republic of Ireland.

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