Gardaí have issued advice for the public ahead of this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Off-licences in Dublin city centre have been asked not to sell alcohol until 4pm on St Patrick’s Day.
This year’s St Patrick’s Festival will commence from Wednesday, 16 March until Sunday, 20 March.
As part of this, the 2022 National St. Patrick’s Festival Parade will take place on Thursday, 17 March from midday until 2.30pm in Dublin city centre, beginning at the junction of Granby Row and Dorset Street.
Ahead of the festivities, An Garda Síochána is working with the licensing industry to voluntarily control the off-licence sale of alcohol up to 4pm on St Patrick’s Day.
“The policing priority is to facilitate a family-friendly event and environment in which citizens can enjoy the St Patrick’s festivities and public realms,” a Garda spokesperson said.
“An Garda Síochána will have an extensive policing plan in place for all St Patrick’s Day parades nationwide.
“The consumption of alcohol in public places is generally restricted by local authority bye-laws in most local authority areas, including Dublin city centre.
“An Garda Síochána will be enforcing these bye-laws on the consumption of alcohol in public places.”
Gardaí also issued the following advice for those attending St Patrick’s Day parades around the country:
- Plan your journey in advance
- Select the area where you want to view the parade in advance of travelling
- Arrive early
- Keep children under close supervision
- Where possible, children should have phone numbers for their guardians in the event of accidental separation
- Mind your personnel belongings
Meanwhile, those attending the national parade in Dublin should take note of the following:
- Gardaí are encouraging everybody who wishes to attend the St. Patrick’s Day Festival Parade to use public transport
- If you live outside the M50, try to leave your car outside the M50 zone
- If you live inside the M50 zone on the southside, aim to leave your car outside the Grand Canal zone
- If you live on the northside, aim to leave your car outside the North Circular Road zone
- Follow signage and all directions from stewards and Gardaí
Commuters and motorists are also warned there will be road closures and traffic restrictions in Dublin city centre from early on the morning of St Patrick’s Day.
As such, those who need to travel through Dublin city centre during the morning should plan their journey in advance.
Road closures and re-openings will be staggered depending on the location.
People socialising over the bank holiday festivity weekend are also urged to drink alcohol responsibly, to never drink and drive and to not let friends or family walk home alone.
Main image via Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
