Gardaí to deploy 2,500 personnel across the country for St Patrick’s Day

An Garda Síochána is advising people to stay home on St Patrick’s Day and avoid large gatherings and house parties.

In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said that “despite constant and consistent public health advice, An Garda Síochána continues to find people gathering in large groups at social occasions and at house parties.

“Such events put those attending, and everyone they meet afterwards, at risk of catching COVID-19.”

Gardaí say that they have issued more than 430 €500 fines to people to have organised house parties and 1,677 €150 fines to people caught attending house parties.

“On St Patrick’s Day, at any one time, more than 2,500 Gardaí will be on duty across the country.

“They will be engaged in a wide-range of activity to support public health measures,” Gardaí say.

“This includes high visibility patrolling at public amenities; conducting checkpoints focused on non-essential travel and people exercising outside 5km of their home; road safety activity; managing any large gatherings that may occur, and providing support for the vulnerable including victims of domestic abuse.”

Multiple protests are understood to be organised for Dublin city centre by various groups and Gardaí say they will require “a significant policing operation.”

“An Garda Síochána is advising the public to refrain from any non-essential journeys to the city centre on the day as restrictions and cordons will be in place that may hinder easy movement around the city.”

The Garda spokesperson also said that a “policing plan” has been put in place to deal with the planned protests which includes the support of the dog unit, the mounted unit, air support, and public order.

Checkpoints will also be put in place on arterial routes into the city and checks will be conducted on public transport over the course of St Patrick’s Day.

Speaking today, deputy commissioner, policing and security, Anne Marie McMahon said: “While it won’t be a normal St Patrick’s Day, we can still all enjoy the day safely at home.

“Staying home this St Patrick’s Day is the best thing people can do for their country and the best thing they can do for the people they know and love.”

Gardaí say that “as is the case with all protests, An Garda Síochána seeks to engage with protests groups in advance.

“However, some groups choose not to engage with us. It should also be noted that An Garda Síochána has no role in licensing or approving such protests.

“An Garda Síochána continues to remind persons subject to domestic violence – travel restrictions do not apply in the case of domestic violence or to escape a risk of harm, whether to the person or to another person.”