Over 17,000 fines were issued for so-called “non-essential” travel over the course of the various government lockdowns, the Justice Department has revealed.
The figures came from a parliamentary question forwarded by Fine Gael TD John Paul Phelan, who asked the acting Justice Minister Heather Humphreys for a breakdown of the fines issued.
According to the figures, 14,938 fines were issued for the crime of “leaving home without a reasonable excuse”, with each fine costing the recipient €100 (€1,493,800 total).
For those who breached the “international travel via airports and ports” rules, 1,150 were fined €500, while 787 were fined €2,000 – €2,149,000 altogether.
Lastly, one category of fine simply dubbed “movement of persons” was doled out 351 times at €100 each, amounting to €35,100.
Notably, these fines were being issued as recently as June 21st 2021. Each fixed charge was due to be paid within 28 days. However, Humphreys added:
“It is also open to anyone who has received a Fixed Charge Notice to apply to have it cancelled within 28 days of receiving the notice, or to choose to appear in court following a summons for the unpaid fine.”
The Minister said no breakdown was available by region for the figures.