Gardaí are threatening to cordon off entire streets in the capital city after large crowds were seen socialising during the good weather last weekend, and Taoiseach Micheál Martin has warned that the government may reconsider opening the economy if individuals don’t follow lockdown measures.
According to the Taoiseach, the planned easing of lockdown for July – including permitting opening of pubs and indoor dining – “may have to be reviewed” if people do not comply with the State-imposed restrictions.
Today's news headlines: Taoiseach warns July reopening ‘may be reviewed’ if people don’t follow rules, and Gardaí again disperse crowds in Dublin city centre https://t.co/efaadmL8Vh
— Independent.ie (@Independent_ie) May 31, 2021
The comments come after videos on social media showed large gatherings of people enjoying the sunshine on South Great George’s Street, Exchequer Street and elsewhere.
Gardai clearing #templebar tonight in Dublin as seen from the @EarthCamTV camera pic.twitter.com/9V4le8YU20
— Damien Storan (@StoranPhoto) May 29, 2021
According to Garda sources, large areas in Dublin city centre could be fenced off going forward to prevent such revelling in future. It was suggested that popular areas could be sealed off in the same way Temple Bar was on Saint Patrick’s Day, with manned Garda checkpoints and people ordered to move on if they attempt to loiter and socialise in such zones.
Over the weekend Gardaí attempted to enforce social distancing in cities by ordering individuals to move along from crowded streets. In Dublin, four individuals were arrested for “public order offences” after refusing to move when told to do so by police. Crowds were dispersed in Temple Bar, St. Stephen’s Green, South William Street and elsewhere in the capital.
Additionally, in Cork, 12 people were arrested for public order offences after the Gardaí attempted to break up gatherings at Kennedy Quay and Grand Parade.
Police ordered Galway City Council to seal off the popular area known as the Middle Arch after crowds gathered there, which the Council agreed to. The area has now been sealed for “a number of weeks,” the Council said in a statement.
Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said he was “absolutely shocked” at the scenes he saw in Dublin, saying it was like a “major open air party”, and castigating revelers.
Drove into Dublin City Centre to collect someone from work at 815 PM. Absolutely shocked at scenes in South Great George’s St, Exchequer St, South William St area. Enormous crowds- like a major open air party. This is what we do not need when we have made so much progress.
— Dr Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland) May 29, 2021
Responses on social media were harsh, with one individual juxtaposing photos from the weekend with photos from a recent pro-Palestine rally.
“Two photos in Dublin, taken [14] days apart,” the user said.
“One group celebrated, the other castigated. No consistency. It’s gone beyond a joke at this stage. Hypocrisy and glaring double standards everywhere.”
Just for clarity, these photos were taken 14 days apart. Same point still stands
— Robert Burke (@robertburke84) May 30, 2021
“This is the environment you’ve created Tony,” said another.
“The fact you’re surprised says it all really. You might know the science but you’ve absolutely no clue about the people.”
This is the environment you’ve created Tony. The fact you’re surprised says it all really. You might know the science but you’ve absolutely no clue about the people.
— Andy McNulty (@AndyMc_25) May 29, 2021
“You’re clearly an intelligent man,” one individual remarked.
“Use your influence to tell the powers that be that maybe closing down half the public spaces in the city is just going to result in people congregating in the smaller and smaller spaces available to them. It’s not hard.”
You're clearly an intelligent man. Use your influence to tell the powers that be that maybe closing down half the public spaces in the city is just going to result in people congregating in the smaller and smaller spaces available to them. It's not hard.
— Gary Ó Nualláin (@garyonuallain) May 29, 2021
You don't need to be a behavioural psychologist to understand young peoples' reactions to regaining their long lost freedom.
"Nì fèidir leat seancheann a chur ar ghuaillì òga".
— EcoEye (@EileenColeman10) May 30, 2021
You weren't fussed about golf gate, you weren't fussed about pro Palestine marches, you weren't fussed about the RTE reeeee news party.
Do one Holohan.
— NINJA KNIGHT 🇮🇪 (@The_NinjaKnight) May 30, 2021
Nonsense of the highest order. You’re terrified you’re loosing control and your celebrity. I’m delighted people are out enjoying themselves and ignoring you. Retire now before this whole thing turns against you. Govt will scapegoat you in the end. Get off the stage.
— Bob P. (@RobertPernod) May 29, 2021
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