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Sixteen people have been arrested today in connection with protests against the blockade in Dublin.
Gardaí says they intervened where there was “continued non-compliance with public health regulations” and non-compliance with instructions from officers.
Speaking this afternoon, Deputy Commissioner for Police and Security, Anne Marie McMahon, said: “This has not been a normal St. Patrick’s Day. I recognize the enormous level of compliance and social responsibility demonstrated today. I appeal to the public to continue this effort tonight, please do not participate in gatherings or parties at home or gather in public spaces and services. ‘
“Tonight, An Garda Síochána will continue to patrol high visibility in public services, conducting checkpoints focused on non-essential travel and people exercising outside of 5 km from home, road safety activities and large gatherings that may occur in all the country.
“It is important that people enjoy the good weather and take advantage of the fresh air. Please do so in accordance with Public Health Regulations. If a public service seems crowded, change your plans and visit again later. “
Disparate groups of anti-lockdown protesters have gathered in different parts of Dublin as Ireland celebrates St. Patrick’s Day.
The Irish Times reports that hundreds of people have gathered at Herbert Park in South Dublin, and the anti-lockdown event is billed as Le Cheile Day, “a day of mental health”.
Singers and musicians have entertained the crowd, with members of An Garda Síochána maintaining a low-key presence.
Separately, a small group of anti-blockade protesters gathered at RTÉ’s Donnybrook campus in the afternoon.
At least three other protests and meetings were to take place in and around Dublin city center on Wednesday.
The streets around Leinster House, including Kildare Street, Molesworth Street and Merrion Street, were closed in anticipation of the protests.
Gardaí came out in numbers from early morning in Dublin, with checkpoints on main roads into the city center and near RTÉ to establish whether people were in breach of Covid-19 regulations and were traveling more than 5km from his house.
Ireland
‘Thugs, teen gangs’: Garda’s concern about joining …
More than 2,500 officers will be deployed to checkpoints and arterial routes across the country in a large-scale St. Patrick’s Day operation.
Much of the focus will be on Dublin, amid fears that anti-lockdown activists may seek to use the holiday to demonstrate against coronavirus restrictions.
However, the Gardaí in other cities are also preparing for public gatherings and possible riots, including large crowds gathering to drink in some places.
Gardaí has expressed concern about the possible uniting of “thugs, teenage gangs or right-wing groups” in a series of disparate protests planned in Dublin.
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