Gardaí set to monitor protest

Gardaí said investigations will be carried out on anyone in breach of Covid-19 regulations during the Rally of Truth anti-lockdown protest with the possibility of fines being handed out.

The news comes amidst concern on Leeside after violence broke out at a similar, but unrelated, anti-lockdown protest in Dublin last weekend which resulted in injury to a number of gardaí and arrests.

Gardaí told the Cork Independent that although there is no permit or authorisation required for such an event, there are a number of public health measures currently in place including regulations surrounding essential travel.

A statement from An Garda Síochána read: “Where gardaí find potential breaches of the public health regulations, a file is prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions in each case or a fixed payment notice is issued where appropriate.”

Organisers of the Cork protest, the People's Convention in Cork, have condemned what took place in Dublin and have insisted the Cork protest is entirely unrelated.

A statement from the group said the purpose of Saturday’s rally is, amongst other things, to demand an end to the lockdown, which the group claims isn’t working.

Spokesperson Diarmaid Ó Cadhla insisted Saturday’s protest will be a peaceful event, including speakers and musicians.

However, a Dublin Fine Gael TD has called on Cork authorities to stop Saturday’s protest as he fears factions with far-right agendas may attend. Deputy Neale Richmond called the events in Dublin last weekend “a dark day in our capital” and condemned the “violent thugs” who brought shame to the city.

“Those who may be frustrated by the ongoing restrictions and considering attending protests must be aware of who the nefarious groups behind them actually are,” said the deputy.

He added: “The consequences for attending protests can be damaging, not just because they are super spreader events, but because they can quickly descend into illegal chaos.”

The Rally for Truth is to take place this weekend outside Brown Thomas on Patrick’s Street.