16 people have been arrested in Dublin today in connection with breaches of public health regulations and failure to adhere to directions from Gardaí.
As of 3pm today, 13 men and three women had been arrested during anti-lockdown protests in the city centre.
Gardaí say they intervened where there was "continued non-compliance with the public health regulations" and failure to comply with officers' instructions.
Around two hundred people gathered at Herbert Park in Ballsbridge, where the Garda Public Order Unit was deployed.
The demonstration was peaceful, with attendees singing and giving speeches objecting to COVID restrictions.
Ten people have been charged and will appear before a sitting of Dublin District Court this afternoon.
Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, Anne Marie McMahon said that this "has not been a normal St Patrick's Day" but acknowledged "the huge level of compliance and social responsibility demonstrated today".
Gardai are on patrol throughout Dublin today.
'This has not been a normal St Patrick's day. I acknowledge the huge level of compliance and social responsibility demonstrated today.'
- Deputy Commissioner McMahon pic.twitter.com/HwlfTC4NBF— Garda Info (@gardainfo) March 17, 2021
"I appeal to the public to continue this effort into this evening, please do not engage in house gatherings or parties or congregate in public spaces and amenities," she said.
Gardaí will continue high visibility patrolling at public amenities this evening by conducting checkpoints focused on non-essential travel and people exercising outside 5km of their home, as well as road safety activity and large gatherings that may occur across the country.
"It is important that people enjoy the good weather and avail of fresh air. Please do so in accordance with Public Health Regulations. If a public amenity appears to be crowded please change your plans and revisit at a later time," Deputy Commissioner McMahon said.
"When visiting public amenities within 5km of your home please park legally.
"Illegal parking can hinder access by emergency services and could put lives at risk. As has been the case previously, people who illegally park are at risk of having their cars towed and impounded."
Gardaí are appealing to the public not to arrange or attend house parties or gatherings this evening.
