Gardaí in Dublin implemented a policing plan around events that took place in the Phoenix Park and Dublin City Centre today Saturday 20th March 2021.
Gardaí were aware of an event organised on social media by disparate groups planning to gather in the vicinity of the Wellington Monument, Phoenix Park Dublin 8. Gardaí engaged with those present at the Wellington Monument, which involved persons involved in the event but also other persons and families availing of the Phoenix Park for physical exercise in accordance with current Public Health Regulations.
At approximately 3.30pm, persons involved in the event proceeded to walk from the Phoenix Park along the North Quays to the GPO, O’Connell Street and then back along the South Quays.
Following persistent and ongoing non-compliance with Public Health Regulations uniformed members of An Garda Síochána intervened in a graduated response at Victoria Quay.
The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No.10) Regulations 2020 are currently in force.
This places certain restrictions on individuals organising relevant events outdoors and on travel outside the home except with reasonable excuse.
11 arrests were made in relation to this event over the course of the afternoon A number of Fixed Payment Notices (FPNs) will be issued in relation to persons attending this event in breach of Public Health Regulations.
An Garda Síochána will carry out an investigation into the organisers of this event.
Approximately 300 uniform and plain clothes members of An Garda Síochána monitored the event, including Public Order Units, Peaceful Crowd Management Unit, Mounted Unit and Dog Unit.
In supporting the COVID-19 public health guidelines and regulations, An Garda Síochána has and will continue to adopt, a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent.
This has seen Gardaí engage, educate, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce. Any Garda activity in relation to evolving events is in line with this graduated policing response taking into account public health regulations and advice.
Personal social responsibility, wearing of face coverings in open spaces 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 particular essential journeys, in order to continue to save lives.
