A FURTHER 19 people have been arrested for a series of public order offences in Dublin city centre on Saturday night.
It comes just a day after Gardaí clashed with revellers in the Irish capital during unrest that saw garda pelted with glass bottles and one officer hospitalised.
Two juveniles were among those arrested last night, during a largescale operation implemented to avoid a repeat of the scenes witnessed in the city on Friday.
According to a statement from Gardaí, the large-scale operation saw officers take to the streets around Temple Bar, St Stephen’s Green and South William Street from 7pm.
Uniform and Public Order Unit Gardaí were deployed with the majority said to have been socialising responsibly save for one small group.
“An Garda Síochána encountered and engaged with a smaller group which was persistently involved in antisocial behaviour and public disorder,” a spokesperson said.
“Between approximately 7pm and 9pm Gardaí dispersed crowds from Stephen’s Green, Temple Bar and South William Street.
“In total, 19 people were arrested for public order offences in Dublin City Centre, including two juveniles who were released and referred for Juvenile Diversion Programme.
“Six persons received the Adult Caution, one person was released pending a summons for public order offences, while 10 people were charged with public order offences and will appear in court at a later date,” the statement added.
The Garda Public Order unit form a barrier to seal off the top of Dawson street. The top of Grafton street has also been sealed off by uniformed officers @rtenews pic.twitter.com/fYi2PZungr
— Samantha Libreri (@SamanthaLibreri) June 5, 2021
Gardaí have pledged to “continue to patrol and manage crowds on public streets and spaces” over the remainder of the bank holiday.
“While extra facilities are being provided by Local authorities An Garda Síochána appeals for consideration for other persons using the spaces, local residents and businesses.
“Where crowds gather An Garda Síochána’s responsibility is preserving public order and preventing and investigating any criminal offence, which may occur.
“An Garda Síochána has been consistent from the start in our response to the Covid-19 pandemic, based on our tradition of policing by consent, An Garda Síochána will continue to focus on the approach engage, explain, encourage the public with enforcement only as a last resort,” it added.
An Garda Síochána has called on the public to continue adhering to the Covid-19 guidelines and to continue wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
“The COVID-19 Pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to demonstrate personal and social responsibility to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations, in order to continue to save lives,” it concluded.
