Dublin’s lord mayor is urging people not to join anti-racism protests in the capital tomorrow.
A socially distant protest is due to go ahead outside the US Embassy tomorrow afternoon.
A number of other demonstrations had been planned for the weekend; however, they were called off after Gardaí warned they were in breach of COVID-19 regulations.
This morning, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Tom Brabazon urged people to show their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement by joining online protests or signing an online book of condolence.
“The organisers won’t have control over every individual,” he said.
“And while a lot of the individuals will be responsible and try to socially distance, it is not always going to be possible with those numbers involved.
“They really need to take a second look at having this protest and look at other alternatives.
“I would plead with them to do so.”
People at a Black Lives Matter protest rally outside the US Embassy in Dublin, 01-06-2020.The protests erupted in the US in the wake of the killing of George Floyd by a US police officer while he was in custody.
Demonstrations have been held all over the world in the days since and thousands joined a protest in Dublin last weekend.
Councillor Brabazon said people can show their anger while following the COVID-19 rules.
“I understand why people were angry and I understand the need to protest but we are in the middle of a pandemic and I would urge people to look at alternatives in terms of getting their message across,” he said.
“One of those ways in the only book of condolence that was opened up by Dublin City Council.”
Earlier this week, grassroots group MERJ said tomorrow's protest would follow social distancing.
The group is urging anyone attending to bring face masks and hand sanitisers wherever possible, with markers also being installed in the area to help people stay two metres apart from each other.
Gardaí have warned that they are investigating last week’s demonstration for breaches of COVID-19 regulations.
