Cork’s crowded services will remain open to the public

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At this time, there are no plans to crack down on the use of services in Cork following reports of overcrowded pinch points in public spaces such as the Marina, the Lough and Ballincollig Regional Park, after Galway gardaí ordered the closure. from several popular gathering areas.

Gardaí and local authorities have pleaded with people to follow public health guidelines after reports that Cork’s beaches and parks are overcrowded as people desperate for exercise and outdoor stimulation flocked to their venues. favorites.

While the public largely complied with social distancing measures in Cork, there were notable cases in areas like the Navy over the weekend, where groups approaching double figures were barely inches apart while socializing during long periods.

Independent city councilor Kieran McCarthy said any suggestion of repression by the Gardaí was totally unnecessary, unreasonable and “akin to sending in the army,” but added that congregations of people were a concern.

Walkers on Youghal Beach on New Years Day. Image: Eddie O'Hare
Walkers on Youghal Beach on New Years Day. Image: Eddie O’Hare

It will likely be discussed at the next Cork City Council meeting, he said.

McCarthy called for a greater presence of park rangers who could cajole and persuade people to divide congregations and remind them of their social distancing responsibilities, rather than any need for gardaí to get tough.

“Cork does not have a large number of public services and areas like the Marina have become true jewels appreciated by the entire local population.

Unfortunately, it means people are traveling outside of their 5km because they are desperate for that significant exercise and Covid-19 wait time.

“The Marina, Shakey Bridge, Fitzgerald Park, Tramore Valley Park and Ballincollig Regional Park are close to over 100,000 people, so it’s only natural for them to flock there.

“However, our city was not built for that, so now we have to seize the opportunity and enthusiasm to finally put new amenities like walkways and bike paths around the city. The Navy has become a victim of its own success somehow, it’s such a beautiful ride. “

Galway City Council said over the weekend that following a request from Gardaí, the Blackrock Dive Tower and all parking along the Prom at Salthill, as well as vehicle access to Silverstrand, would be closed.

There are no plans to do something similar in Cork, Gardaí said.

“The Department of Health is the lead department regarding the public health response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Local authorities are the main authority for the management of public spaces. A Garda Síochána works closely with all the agencies at this time in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, “it said in a statement.

Local decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, but gardaí can only enforce criminal regulations, not guidelines, he added.



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