NI motorists warned about travelling south of border due to hundreds of checkpoints

Gardai have warned motorists they are likely to encounter “an extensive network of checkpoints” throughout the Republic, after some Northern Irish travellers found themselves stuck in tailbacks at the border.
By Adam Kula
Published 23rd Oct 2020, 21:56 BST
Updated 24th Oct 2020, 03:31 BST
Image looking north from a video taken by Cormac Cambell of the BBC on the Lower Newtown Road bridge over the A1, just on the NI side of the borderImage looking north from a video taken by Cormac Cambell of the BBC on the Lower Newtown Road bridge over the A1, just on the NI side of the border
Image looking north from a video taken by Cormac Cambell of the BBC on the Lower Newtown Road bridge over the A1, just on the NI side of the border

South Antrim MP Paul Girvan wrote on Twitter this week that what motorists were witnessing was a Covid-induced “hard border, brought to you by Irish Government”, as cars and lorries alike queued up on the main road to Dublin whilst the opposite lanes remained free-flowing.

Whilst he told the News Letter today the remark was “tongue in cheek”, he reflected that if a “hard border” were actually implemented, it would probably look quite similar.

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“It was just highlighting the possibility of what might happen if Europe pursue this,” he said.

An Garda Siochana were asked by the News Letter about the long queues.

An Garda said today that as of Thursday there is “an extensive network of checkpoints around the country” as part of the latest phase of Operation Fanacht (Operation Wait) which began about a fortnight ago.

“The 132 static checkpoints on motorways introduced earlier this month will remain and will be supplemented by hundreds of rolling checkpoints on main and secondary roads,” a garda spokesman said.

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“The Covid-19 pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Siochana continues to appeal to all citizens to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations, in particular essential journeys, in order to continue to save lives.”

Since it began Operation Fanacht, gardai said the number of private cars on main roads has decreased by 14.5%.

Asked if similar stops are planned for NI, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said; “We have no planned joint operations at this time; however we will continue to encourage the Northern Ireland public to adhere to the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations NI 2020 and help keep everyone in our communities safe.”

The NI guidance at the moment says: “You should avoid all unnecessary travel.

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“Where travel is necessary for work, education and other essential purposes, people are asked to walk, cycle or use private transport, shared only with members of their household where possible.”

However it also says: “You can travel for recreational purposes to outdoor open spaces such as a parks, forest parks and visitor attractions. Town centres remain open for business.”

The Republic this week put itself into a “level five” state of alert for six weeks.

What this means is people are asked to stay at home, unless providing an essential service for which their physical presence is required.

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There will be a penalty for movement outside 5km (3.1 miles) of home, with exemptions for essential purposes.

This means no visits to other people’s homes or gardens, no sports, and no church services in person.

The exemptions are as follows:

~ To shop for essential items

~ Travel to and from work, where work involves providing an essential service

~ To attend medical appointments and collect medicines and other health products

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~ For vital family reasons, such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people, and in particular for those who live alone, as part of an extended household but excluding social family visits

~ To attend a wedding or funeral

~ For farming purposes i.e. food production and/or care of animals

~ To visit a grave

Asked about the effect this was having on Dublin Airport, a spokeswoman said that she had heard no complaints from delayed passengers – but also added this could be down to the drastically-reduced flight schedule, with even the flights that are left taking off with perhaps 35% occupancy.

READ MORE FROM THE NEWS LETTER:

CLICK HERE: IN FULL: Outspoken anti-lockdown doctor on why she’s quitting council seat

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CLICK HERE: Dissident who avoided jail after judge was told he ‘matured’ still vocally backs hardcore republicans

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