What steps were taken by the Gardai to prevent the use of, or remove the marquee, erected to facilitate a large gathering at a recent funeral here in Carrick within a community setting; how were a large number of mourners allowed travel to Carrick by car from England and Northern Ireland breaking the 5k travel restriction without being immediately turned for home; what steps will be taken to ensure no repeat of anything similar to the organised gathering of March 10th- 14th takes place in our country again while public health guidelines and restrictions at Level 3, 4 and 5 are in place?
Minutes:
What steps were taken by the Gardai to prevent the use of, or remove the marquee, erected to facilitate a large gathering at a recent funeral here in Carrick within a community setting; how were a large number of mourners allowed travel to Carrick by car from England and Northern Ireland breaking the 5k travel restriction without being immediately turned for home; what steps will be taken to ensure no repeat of anything similar to the organised gathering of March 10th- 14th takes place in our country again while public health guidelines and restrictions at Level 3, 4 and 5 are in place?
Chief Superintendent Glacken stated that he is limited in responding to these two questions as they concern ongoing policing matters. He acknowledged the grief, upset and anger that was caused because of the actions of some people who congregated in large gatherings and chose to ignore the public health advice, as well as ignoring advice on the wearing of face coverings in public places. This behaviour was frustrating and hugely disappointing, showing little regard for public health and little regard for the huge efforts made by the community of Leitrim and across this country over the past 12 months in containing this virus. He said policing of gatherings such as the ones referred to in the questions are very sensitive and An Garda Siochana engaged in discussions with several groups and engaged a mediator with specific experience in these situations. Many assurances by those organising the proceedings were provided but unfortunately, some of these assurances were not kept.
Chief Superintendent Glacken advised that under current regulations, travel for the purpose of attending a funeral is deemed an essential journey and is not subject to the 5km limit restriction.
Chief Superintendent Glacken said the policing plan utilised 950 garda hours, and resulted in five permanent garda checkpoints as well as 177 fixed penalty chares notices being issued as well as fines worth a total of €19,400 being imposed and several cars being seized as well as 3 arrests.
Referring to the marquee, Chief Superintendent Glacken said An Garda Siochana have no lawful right to take down a temporary structure.
Chief Superintendent Glacken expressed his disappointment regarding some commentary around the events which was unhelpful.
He said another funeral occurred last weekend in Carrick-on-Shannon and it was managed in the same way but resulted in more respect and regard for COVID guidance.
Chief Superintendent Glacken acknowledged that a lot of the encounters the Gardai experienced was from those attending from the UK. In policing the first funeral, Garda personnel had been subject to personal provocations, to abuse, threats and insults in the course of carrying out their duty and he paid tribute to the Gardai for their professionalism in such difficult circumstances.
Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire noted that many local representatives had become a target for anger and abuse over the situation. Councillor Armstrong McGuire thanked and paid tribute to An Garda Siochana for their efforts and acknowledged that this was a very difficult situation for them.
Mr Kenny Murtagh thanked An Garda Siochana and acknowledged that this was a difficult predicament to be in.