DRIVERS who make non-essential journeys from the Republic to Northern Ireland should be fined, a Fianna Fáil senator has said.
Stricter Covid-19 regulations, including €100 fines for drivers who cross the border from the north into the south without a "reasonable excuse", came into force in the Republic on Monday.
Senator Robbie Gallagher has called on the Northern Ireland authorities to consider issuing similar fines to anyone from the Republic who travels north on a non-essential journey.
The Cavan-Monaghan senator said better cross-border co-operation was needed.
"It is deeply disappointing, frustrating and irritating that 12 months into a world pandemic where people are losing their lives on a daily basis, we still seem to be falling short of an all-island approach to tackling this pandemic," he said.
"I appeal to both the (Irish) Government and the authorities in the North to make another effort to try to get that all-island approach to this killer disease.
"Let us call out those who resist it. It is time that resistance was called out and the finger was pointed in the right direction, namely, at those who are blocking that all-island approach."
Gardaí have already turned back some cars travelling across the border.
One Irish News reader from Co Fermanagh said he was concerned by the number of cars registered in the Republic who are continuing to travel north to shop in supermarkets.
He questioned why the north has not followed the Republic's lead and cracked down on drivers who cross the the border without a good excuse.
Read more: €100 fine for northerners crossing border 'without reasonable excuse', gardaí warn
