Level 3 restrictions: Huge traffic jam in Dublin; more than eight hours long queue at M4 and M50

DUBLIN: The country is experiencing severe traffic jams with the introduction of COVID Level 3 restrictions. The third level restrictions in the country came into effect from midnight on Tuesday.

Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on the road for hours. Some vehicles had to wait up to eight hours at checkpoints due to An Garda Siochana’s Operation Fanacht, which was launched as part of COVID control measures.

The capital city has witnessed huge traffic jams due to vehicle inspections on major roads like M4 and M50. Yesterday, the M4 underwent a 6 km long traffic jam from Dublin.

An Garda Siochana has set up checkpoints across the country to enforce public health guidelines and prevent unnecessary travel.

An 8 km long traffic jam was formed on the M50 in Dublin yesterday. Pictures of the long line of vehicles also appeared in the press. Huge queues continued Thursday at the M4 in Dublin due to a Garda checkpoint at the Celbridge interchange.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has said he will consider imposing a fine of €200 on those who travel unnecessarily and violate inter-county travel rules.

NPHET had recommended to the government that if there’s no significant reduction in the Covid-19 cases, the possibility of imposing such penalties in the coming weeks should be considered.

At the same time, concerns have been raised about the possibility of Christmas celebrations if the epidemic is not brought under control. Only if the next three weeks strictly adhere to the third level restrictions, we can celebrate Christmas, Professor Philip Nolan said.

If the rate of infection does not decrease, there may be as many as 1,100 cases per day by the first week of November. Philip Nolan warns that 300 to 450 people are likely to reach the hospital every day.