Gardaí had to turn away more than 100 cars from popular Wicklow beaches on what was the hottest day of the year, according to reports.
Drivers apparently came from areas in Dublin and even as far as Dundalk to visit the popular Wicklow beaches.
Government guidelines state that travel of over 5km from a person’s home should on,y be done for essential journeys. Over 40 cars were issued with fixed charge notices for illegally parking.
Speaking at the Health Protection Surveillance Centre yesterday, Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said:
“Next week we will see figures that reflect the impact of Phase 1 measures on key disease spread indictors. It is our hope that the r-number will remain below one and our progress is preserved.”
Meanwhile, a Garda spokesperson said:
“Gardaí at Magheramore and Brittas Bay today turned back more than 100 cars with people having travelled from places like Clonee, Dundalk and all parts of Dublin.
“More than 40 fixed charge notices were issued for illegal parking.
“We would ask that people do not travel to these locations. We will be trying our best to keep these areas clear over the coming weekend and checkpoints will be carried out.
“Avoid being made turn around and just stay away. If you are within 5km, please continue to socially distance and dispose of gloves/masks properly.”
Met Éireann predicts that the hot weather is to last beyond the bank holiday weekend, with many parts of the country seeing temperatures in the mid-twenties.
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