8 April 2020
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Fanacht is the Irish language word for ‘Wait’. A new Gardai operation ‘Operation Fanacht’ will see an extensive network of checkpoints Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said “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 Garda Operation will run from today at 12noon until Monday night, April 13.
The operation will involve thousands of checkpoints every day. At any one time, there will be over 2,500 Gardaí involved in checkpoints or high visibility patrolling.
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.
Operation Fanacht will also enhance road safety.
“Unfortunately, despite the reduced traffic levels, there are still people putting their lives and the lives of others at risk by speeding, drink and drug driving, and not wearing their seat belt,” said Deputy Twomey.
For example, some speed detections in the last week include:
185kph in a 100kph zone on the N22, Cork
149kph in a 60kph zone on the R147, Meath
225kph in a 120kph zone on the M1, Dublin
159kph in a 80kph zone on the R420, Offaly
95kph in a 50kph zone on the N6, Galway
Speaking today, John Caulfield, Interim CEO, Road Safety Authority (RSA) said, “While the roads will have less traffic than normal over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend it doesn’t mean that there is no danger on the roads. People will be out exercising by going for a walk or cycle. So, I’m asking drivers to watch out for vulnerable road users and to slow down. Never has it been more important to practice good road safety habits because every crash and injury we prevent means we are putting less pressure on our first responders and health professions at a time of national crisis.”
Cork County Council to close car parks at 14 beaches
· Youghal
· Claycastle
· Garryvoe
· Ballycotton Cliff Walk· Fountainstown
· Garrylucas
· Barleycove
· Garnish (CTB)· Tragumna
· Lough Hyne
· The Warren
· Inchydoney Lower Car-Park
· Owenahincha
· Long Strand— Joe Noonan (@NoonanJoe) April 8, 2020
