Issue Date: 5th February 2024
An Garda Síochána today implemented a proportionate operation to police a number of public gatherings which took place in Dublin City Centre.
Two separate public gatherings took place, one which assembled on O' Connell Street and one which assembled on Parnell Square and marched to the Custom House Quay.
Over 300 members of An Garda Síochána were on duty in Dublin City Centre.
Uniform frontline Gardaí were supported by colleagues from the Garda National Public Order Unit, Garda Mounted Unit, Garda Dog Unit, Garda Air Support Unit, Divisional Plain Clothes Gardaí and Gardaí from National Units.
The operation was overseen by a Strategic Commander managed from a Strategic Command Centre based in the Dublin Region Communications Centre.
Following the events on Custom House Quay a small group attempted to cause further traffic disruption in Dublin City Centre.
An Garda Síochána proactively engaged with and disrupted this group's activity.
Eleven (11) arrests were made over the course of the policing operation this afternoon, primarily for summary offences under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.
Speaking about today’s operation, Strategic Commander Chief Superintendent McMenamin said:
"Today a significant policing operation was deployed in Dublin City Centre. Gardaí had to police a challenging environment with a number of public gatherings organised and attended by persons with divergent and opposing views whilst also managing the rights of citizens to enjoy the amenity that is Dublin City Centre.
"Despite the challenging environment and the intensity of opposing interactions, particularly on O’Connell street, the events passed off primarily peacefully.
"I want to thank the business community and public transport companies in Dublin City Centre for their support throughout the afternoon.”
