GARDAI ARE investigating the circumstances surrounding a large rally held by anti-mask demonstrators in Dublin.
As many as 1,000 people attended the demonstration, which began at Custom House Quay before moving on through the southside shopping district of the Irish capital.
The protestors later moved on to Grafton Street, where they proceeded to hold a sit-down protest, demonstrating against the Irish government’s lockdown restrictions.
Anti-vaccination group Health Freedom Ireland organised the protest alongside Yellow Vest Ireland, with several speakers and musicians present at the rally.
Health Freedom Ireland is vehemently opposed to the measures currently in place in Dublin and across much of Ireland.
They believe “our fundamental constitutional freedoms are being eroded under the guise of a public health crisis” and there is “no evidence for mandatory mask-wearing in a healthy population.”
They have also expressed concern that the restrictions “set a dangerous precedent for future impingements upon our freedom."
Yellow Vest Ireland, meanwhile, have branded the lockdown measures in place across Dublin as "unscientific and baseless."
No arrests were made, though Gardai have confirmed an investigation has been launched.
A Garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí attended the scene of a protest earlier today, Saturday, 3rd October, 2020, that commenced at Custom House Quay, North Dock, Dublin, and concluded at Grafton Street, Dublin 2, where all persons present dispersed without incident.
"An Garda Síochána has no role in permitting or authorising protest marches, there is no permit/authorisation required for such events.
"An Garda Síochána objective in relation to protests is the prevention of any Breach of the Peace and facilitate ongoing business continuity around the protest event.
"The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No.5) Regulations 2020, as amended are currently in force, and place penal restrictions on persons organising certain events.
Never a dull moment on Grafton Street! A protest happening right now - view from @cardgallery_ie.@IrishTimes @Independent_ie @thejournal_ie @rtenews @rte @newstalk @DublinTown #graftonstreet#dublin #protest #Dublincity pic.twitter.com/BWDD1014QG
— Card Gallery (@cardgallery_ie) October 3, 2020
"An Garda Síochána will investigate the organisation of this event.
"Individual attendance, social distancing, wearing of masks in public area and other such public health guidelines are not penal regulations.
"In supporting the COVID-19 public health guidelines and regulations, An Garda Síochána has and will continue to adopt, a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent.
"This has seen Garda members engage, educate, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce.
"Where potential breaches of the Public Health Regulations are identified a file is submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a direction as to how to proceed.
"The COVID-19 Pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations in order to continue to save lives."
