One Garda was injured and received hospital treatment.
14 people have been arrested in Dublin’s city centre after glass bottles and other missiles were thrown at Gardaí on Friday evening.
In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said large crowds were present in Dublin city on Friday with the vast majority of people socialising responsibly and enjoying outdoor activity.
However, a number of public order incidents occurred at various locations in the South City Centre, primarily involving large ‘organised groups’ congregating at a number of locations including South William Street, Saint Stephen’s Green Park and Templebar Square.
Gardaí said a significant uniform Garda presence was on patrol and interacted with various groups. While interacting with a specific group at South William street, glass bottles and other missiles were thrown at Gardai.
Having attempted to engage with these people with no positive response, uniform Gardai – supported by “soft cap” Public Order Gardai – then dispersed this particular group from South William Street.
In total, nine adults and five juveniles were arrested for public order offences and detained at Pearse Street and Kevin Street Garda Stations.
Six people were charged with public order offences and released. Two people received the adult caution while one was released pending a summons for public order offences. The five youths were released and referred for JLO’s.
One Garda member sustained a leg injury and received hospital treatment, while one Garda Patrol Vehicle was damaged.
In support of Government announcements on reopening the economy and society with a specific continuing emphasis on outdoor activity, Gardaí have said they will continue to patrol and manage crowds on public streets and spaces.
The Garda spokesperson said: “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.”
Last week, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan tweeted that he was “absolutely shocked” at the “enormous crowds” gathered in the South William Street area of Dublin’s city centre at around 8.15pm on Saturday evening.
The CMO on Wednesday described the large gatherings last Saturday as looking like “Jones’ Road on a day of an All-Ireland.“
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