Checkpoints on roads have been effective at helping to encourage people to make only essential journeys during Level 5 restrictions, according to gardai.
Chief Superintendent Denis Ferry spoke at Wicklow County Council s Joint Policing Committee meeting about gardai s work during the Covid-19 pandemic during an overview of policing achievements in the county last year, based on provisional crime figures.
The Chief Superintendent said gardai had used static and mobile checkpoints to deter people taking non-essential journeys by car. While he highlighted the value of roving checkpoints, he noted there had been a need for static checkpoints during Level 5 restrictions. In relation to people coming into the county, the gardai had sought to explain and encourage people to remain within 5km of their home. The new regulations had a considerable impact and a major reduction in traffic had been identified. The media coverage and social media posts had also helped to remind people to stay
Gardai have agreed to carry out a review of the proposed locations of the CCTV scheme in Blessington, following an appeal by a west Wicklow councillor.
Cllr Gerry O Neill (Ind) made his comments during Monday s meeting of Wicklow County Council s Joint Policing Committee (JPC).
Speaking during the meeting, Cllr O Neill said the issue of CCTV in Blessington was causing concern .
While the go-ahead for the CCTV scheme was welcome, Cllr O Neill said there was concerns about the amount of cameras coming into the town .
He said there would be 34 cameras for a town with a population of 5,000 compared with 12 CCTV cameras in Arklow, a town with three times the population of Blessington.