Large crowds gather on Grafton Street in Dublin on the eve...

Gardaí broke up a large impromptu music meeting on Grafton Street in Dublin just hours before the republic entered Level 5 of the Living with Covid-19 plan at midnight.

However, according to Garda sources, the Wednesday night meeting was not organized and appeared to have arisen when a line of people stopped around a street performer. Other passers-by joined them within a short time and formed a crowd.

The same sources said that while some people were drinking in the crowd, the vast majority of those present did not consume alcohol and appeared to have quit “spontaneously”.

Officials patrolling south downtown yesterday marched past a line of groups drinking on Grafton Street. Several groups also gathered on South William Street but were moved on.

Gardaí said when people were asked to move on they did so and while a video posted on social media showed a large crowd dancing to music on Grafton Street, presumably shortly after 9:30 p.m., those people walked in when they did were prompted.

Gardaí knew what the Grafton Street incident said last night. A circulating video of Gala’s song Freed From Desire showed the incident. However, another video showing more unruly scenes on Grafton Street was recorded some time ago and is not from last night.

The video turned out to be a major Lake Garda operation that coincided with the beginning of Level 5 across the Republic. 2,500 gardaí were on duty concurrently, working on extended rosters, encouraging people to stay home unless their trip was work-related or essential. All non-essential retailers are also closed for the six week duration of Level 5.

In response to questions, Garda Headquarters did not directly comment on the video, but did confirm that a group moved on after they gathered on Grafton Street.

“Gardaí in Dublin conducted regular high-visibility patrols along Grafton Street and the surrounding streets last night,” said Lake Garda in its response.

“Gardaí has ​​asked all large groups to continue. Everyone agreed. No arrests were made. “

However, Lake Garda also stated that spontaneous “gatherings, personal responsibility, social distancing, wearing masks in public areas and other such public health guidelines are not criminal provisions”.

That said, while people were being asked about public health advice to fight the spread of Covid-19, not to gather in groups and social distance and take other precautions, it was just advice. Gardaí has ​​no authority to take action against anyone who does not adhere to public health recommendations.

Enforcement is being carried out with a smaller number of measures, although additional powers of Lake Garda to monitor the Covid-19 pandemic in level 5 have been considered and are expected to be introduced very soon.