“It hasn’t been easy for the Gardai either, because they’ve been asked to do things that they wouldn’t normally be asked to do.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that he is “very concerned” over scenes which took place in Dublin City Centre over the bank holiday weekend.
Speaking during a visit to Cork’s Princes St where he was enjoying the newly reopened outdoor dining facilities, Martin added that he thinks the situation will “settle down and level out.”
“The vast majority of people did behave. I believe Covid has created new realities for people as well. It’s very difficult for many, many people” he told reporters.
The Taoiseach also said that An Garda Síochána “have worked extremely hard” over recent months, adding that it “hasn’t been easy” for them to police the unprecedented public health measures put in place due to the pandemic.
“I think An Garda Síochána have worked extremely hard during Covid-19,” he said.
“It hasn’t been easy for the Gardai either, because they’ve been asked to do things that they wouldn’t normally be asked to do.
“It’s been a strange period for them too, in terms of the restrictions they’ve had to enforce.”
Martin’s comments come as 14 people were arrested as Gardaí dispersed crowds of youths “loitering” in Dublin City Centre on Sunday night.
On Sunday, 6 June, An Garda Síochána put in place an extensive high visibility policing operation by uniform Gardaí supported by Public Order Units.
Gardaí on occasions engaged with crowds in Stephen’s Green, Temple Bar and South William Street based on public safety concerns and sporadic public order incidents.
In total, 14 people were arrested for public order offences in Dublin City Centre, including three juveniles who were released and referred for Juvenile Diversion Programme.
Four persons received an Adult Caution, and seven people were charged with Court proceedings to follow. No injuries to Gardaí were reported.
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