Parts of the quays in Cork city centre will be fenced off this bank holiday weekend amid concerns over “very large gatherings” in the area.
Large crowds are said to have gathered in areas such as Kennedy Quay during recent weekends.
The Port of Cork company confirmed to the Irish Examiner that fencing will be in place this weekend.
They say the decision's been made over safety concerns, noting that the area can be busy with port-related traffic.
The firm has also "raised our concerns with local publicans".
Cllr Joe Kavanagh - Lord Mayor of Cork - told Newstalk Breakfast the area in question is an exposed, working area.
He said: “There have been very large gatherings over the last number of weeks.
“I do know people have been expressing their concerns in terms of potential safety issues in that particular area.”
“That is the reason why it’s being done… because the numbers are increasing week by week.”
Cllr Kavanagh said this is “purely a safety measure, to ensure we don’t have any unwanted incidents in that particular area”.
He suggested there will be criticism of these kinds of decisions “no matter what you do”.
The decision comes in the wake of large crowds gathering in parts of Dublin, Cork and Galway last weekend.
Public health officials have raised concerns about such crowded scenes as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
However, there has also been strong criticism of local authorities for not providing more outdoor spaces for people to socialise safely.
Dublin City Council has faced particular criticism for their recent decision to fence off the Portobello Plaza area during recent weekends.
Following last week's crowds in areas such as South William Street, Dublin's Lord Mayor Hazel Chu says the council has committed to more facilities being in place this weekend.
She added that no streets will be closed off.
