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Grafton Street in Dublin was blocked by hundreds of anti-mask protesters earlier today.
Images on social media showed a large crowd blocking the road near the intersection of South Anne Street and Harry Street.
The protest started at Custom House Quay before moving onto Grafton Street.
Gardaí said the protesters “dispersed without incident” while investigating the organization of the protest.
A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí attended the site of a protest today, Saturday 3 October 2020, which began at Custom House Quay, North Dock, Dublin, and concluded at Grafton Street, Dublin 2, where all those present they dispersed without incident.
“A Garda Síochána has no role in allowing or authorizing protest marches, no permission / authorization is required for such events. One objective of Garda Síochána in relation to protests is the prevention of any Violation of the peace and to facilitate continuity commercial around the event protest.
“The Health Act of 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.5) Regulation of 2020, as amended, is currently in effect and establishes criminal restrictions on individuals who organize certain events. A Garda Síochána will investigate the organization of this event.
“Individual attendance, social distancing, wearing of masks in public areas, and other similar public health guidelines are not criminal regulations.
“By supporting COVID-19 public health guidelines and regulations, An Garda Síochána has adopted and will continue to adopt a graduated police response based on its tradition of consent policing. This has seen Garda members participate, educate, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce. When possible infractions of the Public Health Regulations are identified, a file is sent to the Director of the Public Ministry to indicate how to proceed.
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