Lockdown to Locked Up

On Thursday last, numerous “anti-lockdown” protestors gathered on O’Connell Bridge.  

They then moved on to East Wall Road and then proceeded to Grafton Street. Some protesters were not adhering to the social distancing guidelines, the 5km restriction or keeping two meters apart from one another. 

Gardai arrested 11 people for public order offences. Those arrested consisted of nine men and two women, ranging between the ages of 20 to 60. Nine of those arrested were charged with public order offences and have been released on bail to appear before in court next month. The remaining two who were arrested have been offered ‘adult cautions.’ 

On Saturday 24 October, protestors gathered again in Dublin City Centre, this time, outside of the GPO. There were around 60 people protesting, not adhering to the social distance guidelines, all standing beside one another. The protest was monitored by a small Garda presence and lasted for over two hours. Some of those at the protest, brought Irish flags and banners. 

Photographs and videos of those protesting were shared amongst various social media websites, causing controversy between those abiding by the restrictions and those who are not. 

Hope they are not flying the tricolour in my name thanks

— Dr R Patrick (@Patrick10599096) October 24, 2020