Gardaí no longer have the power to arrest people under the emergency Covid crisis legislation on travel.
From yesterday, people around the country including Donegal can travel anywhere within the county or for up to 20km outside it.
Before this people could not travel more than a radius of 5km.
However, unlike previous versions of the regulations, the latest provisions do not mention a criminal penalty for breaching the movement restrictions.
This means gardaí can no longer arrest or prosecute anyone moving outside the radius.
Gardai made the move without publicity or any public announcement according to the Irish Times.
Despite the move, a Garda spokesman said the force will continue to “encourage and educate” people found travelling outside the radius but confirmed it no longer has powers of arrest.
Gardai still have the power to enforce other regulations introduced under the emergency legislation last March, including prohibitions on large events and the opening of certain businesses.
Those organising events of more than 15 people, including protests, could also still face criminal sanction.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said the Government believed it would not be “proportionate” to retain criminal sanctions for breaching the movement restrictions.
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