Shoppers queue to get into Tesco in Dún Laoghaire

This was bizarre scene at Tesco’s Bloomfields store in Dún Laoghaire today as the Government announced increased measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

As our photograph shows, shoppers had to queue just to get into the Tesco store, a possible sign of panic buying by consumers.

In recent days, stores throughout the country ran out of supplies of toilet paper for some unexplained reason. Facemasks and hand sanitisers were also sold out in many shops and pharmacies.

Earlier today, FTA Ireland reassured the public that the nation’s supply chain is resilient and there is no need to stockpile items.

Aidan Flynn, General Manager of FTAI, said: “As the business organisation representing Ireland’s logistics sector, FTAI wants to reassure the public that the nation’s supply chain is resilient and well equipment to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no need to stockpile food and other basic items.

“However, we ask that members of the public now stop stockpiling activity as it will place unnecessary pressure on the supply chain. As a nation, we should deal with this pandemic calmly and remain considerate of others.”