[ad_1]
Nine men have been arrested in connection with a series of minor public order incidents in Cork City last night.
While the city center was described as having a ‘carnival atmosphere’ as large numbers of people socialized, the Gardaí has since insisted that most people “overwhelmingly comply” with public health guidelines.
Large numbers of people visited the city center between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Saturday night.
People walking through the city center described a very busy environment, with large crowds and a lack of social distancing, particularly in Grand Parade, Daunt Square and on Oliver Plunkett Street, particularly because of the GPO.
“The city was absolutely overcrowded,” said a person who went out for a walk at the time .
Images circulating on social media also showed large groups of people, many without masks, crowding the Grand Parade.
A Garda source familiar with the activity in the city center this weekend told the there was a “carnival atmosphere” fueled by alcohol to go, and officers were in a difficult position due to the large number of people on the streets.
“[Friday] It was probably one of the busiest nights we’ve had since the beginning of the whole Covid thing, “La Garda said, adding about the scenes Saturday night,” It seems to have been based on that.
“There seems to be a kind of carnival atmosphere.”
The recent lighting of the Christmas lights turned out to be an added attraction, he added.
This Sunday, An Garda Síochana issued a statement, describing most of the people in the city center last night as part of family groups and bubbles in the city watching the Christmas lights, window shopping and enjoying drinks and food to go.
However, during the course of the evening, a Gardaí on patrol observed and intervened with a group of young men suspected of being involved in the sale and supply of illegal drugs.
A man fled Gardaí who after a brief chase was intercepted and arrested. A suspicious amount of cocaine was recovered.
“This pledge has been captured and widely circulated on social media,” said a Garda spokesperson.
A Garda received minor injuries to the face during the incident.
During this incident, and as a result of a small number of other minor, mainly related public order incidents, nine men were arrested by Gardaí.
Four have been released pending completion of a file for the Director of the Public Prosecutor’s Office (DPP), one has been charged with public order offenses and one will receive an adult warning.
Two minors will be processed through the Youth Diversion Program.
Gardaí confirmed that between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Saturday night, a large number of people socialized in the center of Cork city.
“The high visibility of the members on the street helped greatly to interact with the public that overwhelmingly complied with public health guidelines.”
“Cork city center was quiet after 9pm. Gardaí across the country observed significant public compliance with public health standards and guidelines ”.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a public health crisis and An Garda Síochána continues to call on all citizens to comply with the Public Health Guidelines and Regulations, in particular essential travel, to continue saving lives.”
[ad_2]