Issue Date: 07/06/2021
Yesterday, Sunday, 6th June, 2021, large numbers of people gathered throughout Dublin City Centre socialising responsibly and enjoying outdoor amenities in Dublin City Centre.
An Garda Síochána put in place an extensive high visibility policing operation by uniform Gardaí supported by Public Order Units.
Based on public safety concerns and sporadic public order incidents Gardaí on occasions engaged with crowds in Stephen’s Green, Temple Bar and South William Street.
Gardaí encountered significant numbers of groups of youths (teenage and younger adults) who were loitering around the city centre, not involved in outdoor dining/ socialising.
In total, 14 people were arrested for public order offences in Dublin City Centre, including three juveniles who were released and referred for Juvenile Diversion Programme. Four persons received an Adult Caution, and seven people were charged with Court proceedings to follow.
No injuries to Gardaí were reported.
Gardaí in Cork patrolled major amenities in the city during the day and continued to engage with local residents and businesses. The city centre remained relatively calm through the evening with no significant incidents reported. At 11pm, following a public order incident, a decision was taken to disperse persons from Kennedy Quay. In total, eight people were arrested for public order offences across Cork city, three directly related to incidents in Cork City centre.
In support of Government announcements on reopening the economy and society with a specific continuing emphasis on outdoor activity An Garda Síochána will continue to patrol and manage crowds on public streets and spaces. While extra facilities are being provided by Local authorities An Garda Síochána appeals for consideration for other persons using the spaces, local residents and businesses.
Where crowds gather An Garda Síochána's responsibility is preserving public order and preventing and investigating any criminal offence, which may occur. An Garda Síochána has been consistent from the start in our response to the Covid-19 pandemic, based on our tradition of policing by consent, An Garda Síochána will continue to focus on the approach engage, explain, encourage the public with enforcement only as a last resort.
An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to the public to support and comply with public health guidelines to avoid crowded areas and large gatherings; take personal responsibility to protect yourself and others, wear face coverings in open spaces, and maintain social distancing. The wearing of face masks outdoors and social distancing are public health guidelines and are not penal regulations.
The COVID-19 Pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to demonstrate personal and social responsibility to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations, in order to continue to save lives.
