Figures from An Garda Síochána show that the force had issued 771 fines for non-essential travel by close of business yesterday (21 January). Another 200 fines are currently being checked and processed.

The force has also handed out 30 fines for the non-wearing of face masks in certain locations, with the vast majority of these in retail premises.

Last weekend, more than 300 fines were issued for suspected breaches of the public-health regulations related to non-essential travel

More checkpoints planned

The force says it will continue to operate checkpoints and carry out high-visibility patrols at public amenities across the country this weekend.

Under current public-health rules, people are allowed to exercise only within 5km of their home. The Gardaí are reminding people that this limit includes the distance travelled from a home to a location for exercise.

The force also says the public should also be aware that if a driver is found to be in breach of non-essential travel regulations, adult passengers in the vehicle can also be fined.

East region had most fines

Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey (pictured, right) said, however, that the vast majority of people were complying with the non-essential travel regulations.

A breakdown by Garda region of the non-essential travel fines showed that 144 were in the Dublin area, 315 in the east, 213 in the south and 99 in the north-west.

77% of those issued with fines have been male and 23% female, with individuals aged 18-25 accounting for 40% of the total.