Raid on Gardai suspected of illegal drinking as several properties in Laois, Meath and Westmeath closed and alcohol seized

THESE are the alleged illegal shebeens raided and shut down by gardai in the Midlands.

Agents searched properties in Laois, Meath and Westmeath on Friday as part of the investigation in support of public health measures.

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During the raid, large quantities of alcohol were seized along with beer taps, refrigerators, kegs, alcohol dispensers and other materials.

Gardai said the series of raids began after a series of reports from members of the public.

They added that although most of the owners were complying with the rules, the crackdown on ‘illegal pub activity’ during the Level 3 closure would continue.

NAVIGATION OPERATION

A spokesperson explained: “As part of ‘Operation Navigation’, the Gardaí has ​​searched several suspicious Shebeen facilities in the Midlands to investigate suspected violations of liquor licensing legislation in support of existing public health measures.

“As part of the investigation, Gardaí searched three premises under warrant in Laois, Meath and Westmeath counties on Friday, October 9, 2020.

“During the searches, substantial amounts of alcohol were seized along with beer taps, coolers, kegs, dispensers for alcoholic beverages and other bar items.

“Everyone present was identified by Gardai. No arrests were made at this stage of the investigation.

“The investigations began after a series of reports from the public.”

‘UNACCEPTABLE’

Deputy Commissioner for Surveillance and Security John Twomey said: “The vast majority of licensed establishments comply with public health guidelines and regulations.

“The operation of any premises without a license puts individuals and communities at risk. This is not acceptable and under ‘Operation Navigation’ An Garda Síochána will continue to take appropriate measures.

“I would also like to thank members of the public who brought some of these issues to our attention.”

Investigations are ongoing and files will now be prepared for the Director of the Public Ministry.

The bar raids came as health chiefs revealed another 825 cases tonight, including one more death.

The total number of confirmed cases since the outbreak here last February is now 43,531. Some 254 of the new cases are in Dublin, while 147 are in Cork.

39 cases have been confirmed in Cavan, 38 in Donegal and 37 in Kildare.

The remaining 310 cases are spread across 20 other counties.

426 of the new cases are men, while 392 are women.

Approximately 78% of the cases are under 45 years old, while the median is 30 years old.

‘WIDE COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION’

Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan warned that the entire country is experiencing “widespread community transmission.”

He told an NPHET press conference: “We have widespread community broadcasting in the country right now that is picking up at the rate it is.

“If transmission patterns in the community continue to increase, we will see more infected nursing home residents and more mortality.”

It also emerged today that three patients have sadly died at a nursing home battling a Covid-19 outbreak.

The Kilminchy Lodge nursing home in Portlaoise, Co Laois, also confirmed that a fourth resident has been hospitalized for treatment.

Patients and faculty staff have been isolating themselves since more than 30 cases of coronavirus were announced earlier this month.

Two of the victims died in the house and a third in the Portlaoise hospital.
Authorities said no other residents or staff had contracted the virus since last week when the outbreak was initially confirmed, with 21 residents and 10 staff members testing positive.

‘SINCERE SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES’

Kilminchy said in a statement last night: “Since the outbreak, two Covid-positive residents have unfortunately passed away inside the nursing home and these two deaths were reported to the coroner. A resident sadly passed away at Portlaoise General Hospital.

“The administration, staff and community of Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home express our deepest condolences and condolences to the families and relatives of our deceased residents.”

Kilminchy, which is owned by the Brindley Group, said the Laois nursing home continues to receive support from Public Health and is working closely with HSE and HIQA.

They added: “There has been no change in the number of residents testing positive at the Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home.

“A second round of testing was conducted on October 8, results were delivered on October 10, no additional new positive cases were found, and one resident is currently under the care of the Portlaoise General Hospital.

“Our Family Liaison Officer is available to all families and provides support when needed.

“We want to sincerely thank our hard-working staff who have given their unselfish and tireless dedication to caring for our residents at this time.

“We also want to thank the medical support provided by the General Hospital of Portlaoise.

“The management and staff at Kilminchy Lodge are also grateful for the support of the families and friends of all of our residents during these difficult times.”

‘WORRYING DEVELOPMENT’

Nursing home officials have repeatedly warned that they would be at serious risk again if transmission in the community continues to increase.

A recent letter sent by the National Public Health Emergency Team to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly highlighted 31 outbreaks open in nursing homes, seven of which have been reported in recent weeks.

Echoing the concern, Tadgh Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland, cautioned: “This is a worrying development.

“We have seen it to the end and all the leading health experts have agreed that if there is an increase in community transmission in a particular community, it increases the likelihood of an outbreak in any health facility, nursing home, and hospitals.

“There is a responsibility for Irish society to redouble our efforts because community transmission is clearly the biggest predictor of an outbreak in a nursing home.”

Fine Gael TD Fergus O’Dowd, a member of the Oireachtas Covid-19 committee, described the number of new outbreaks in nursing homes as a “major concern”, adding: “They are the most vulnerable people in the country.”