A GARDA investigation has been launched after large crowds were filmed gathered together on a beach in Galway despite Ireland’s ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.
In the footage, hundreds of people could be seen gathered together on Salthill beach.
At one point, they can be seen gathered together singing and dancing as they made the most of what was the hottest day of the year so far in Ireland.
Footage of the revellers has been widely shared on social media where it has sparked an angry reaction from those who have sought to stick to the Government’s lockdown rules.
“My kids live in Salthill. I haven't met up with them since late 2019, due to Covid restrictions, and I'm beginning to feel like I never will. People are so selfish,” one person wrote.
“I wanted to go to Salthill today just to walk my dog by the sea. But I suspected it would be taken over by the selfish and didn’t go,” a second added.
A third said: “I just hope there are no consequences after this. They should know better. All true about “needing freedom” but that is true for everyone, not just teenagers.”
Salthill Galway today! 😧 pic.twitter.com/IpEMzDwfKC
— 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 (@galwaytourism) April 24, 2021
Gardai have confirmed that an investigation has been launched.
A statement released on Saturday evening read: "Gardaí attended Salthill beach this evening, Saturday 24th April 2021. A number of persons were gathered in the area. Gardaí engaged with those present and the crowd dispersed.
"Gardaí are conducting further enquiries into potential breaches of public health regulations. Enquiries are ongoing at this time."
Under the Government’s guidelines, people are allowed to meet outdoors but gatherings must be restricted to a maximum of two households.
Anyone vaccinated can meet with other fully vaccinated people indoors provided at least two weeks have passed since they received the second dose of their Covid-19 vaccination.
