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Elected representatives in Galway have expressed concern after large numbers of people gathered in the city last night.
Galway is one of the counties where there is growing concern about the spread of Covid-19.
Health authorities have asked people to maintain social distance and adhere to other guidelines aimed at limiting transmission of the virus.
Gardaí were called to various places to deal with crowds of people who drink alcohol.
Images shared widely on social media show large numbers of young people in the Claddagh Basin, opposite the Spanish Arch, with other footage showing congregations of young people on Shop Street.
Spanish Arch, Galway tonight. The numbers will inevitably continue to rise. I would expect a level 3 restriction before the end of the week … pic.twitter.com/cBLUoJOfj9
– Cllr. Eddie Hoare (@EddieHoareFG) September 28, 2020
Gardaí was also called to other parts of the city, including a site near the Corrib at the Engineering Building in NUI Galway, as well as locations in Ballybane and Renmore.
In addition, officers were invited to 12 separate house parties in student-rented accommodations throughout the city.
Several city council members have expressed alarm at the scenes, saying they could contribute to tighter restrictions on the city and county.
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Anyone who broke Covid restrictions in the Galway crowd tonight should be ashamed. Not only are you putting the entire city at risk, but you are sacrificing the experience of the next full college year for your classmates and yourselves. Little common sense and police. pic.twitter.com/XZaFdDuTHw
– Cllr. Owen Hanley (@OwenHanleyLives) September 28, 2020
The incidents follow appeals and warnings from the city’s two third-tier institutions, ahead of the resumption of classes yesterday.
NUI Galway has warned that any student who violates the University’s code of conduct faces penalties up to and including expulsion.
In a statement today NUI Galway said the scenes involving students and other young people in parts of Galway City last night were “deplorable”.
“NUI Galway has repeatedly appealed to the best judgment of our students and reminded them of their responsibilities under the Student Code of Conduct.
“The University has also worked to ensure that this year’s college life experience is safe, supportive and enjoyable, despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic.
“NUI Galway leadership meets this morning with Gardaí and Galway City Council about these incidents.
“While the vast majority of our students are doing their best to stay safe and help prevent the spread of Covid-19, we will not hesitate to address any breaches of public health guidelines in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct (which has penalties that may include expulsion) “.
GMIT has called on people to adhere to the guidelines and observe physical distancing, even when they are not on campus.
Galway Garda Division Chief Superintendent Tom Curley said those involved in last night’s incidents were putting people’s lives at risk.
He asked them to pay attention to the growing concerns about the spread of Covid-19.
While there are statutes regarding alcohol consumption in Galway City, they are largely considered unenforceable in circumstances where hundreds of people congregate.
Galway Mayor Mike Cubbard described the scenes as “a slap in the face” for everyone who had worked to support frontline healthcare workers in the city in recent months.
He said he had been contacted by voters in the Claddagh area who had to deal with people urinating and defecating on their property last night.
Mr. Cubbard has called for discussions about restricting the sale of alcohol outside of licenses, in an effort to curb such antisocial behavior.
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