A total of 19 people have been arrested after gardai came "under attack" and a person was assaulted on a night of chaos in Dublin city centre.
An Garda Síochána said this morning that "the vast majority" were socialising responsibly in the city but said they encountered a smaller group " persistently involved in antisocial behaviour and public disorder".
Between 7pm and 9pm on Saturday gardai dispersed crowds from St Stephen’s Green, Temple Bar and South William Street.
Throughout the evening officers said they were attacked with glass bottles, while a bin was set on fire on South William Street.
And one person, who gardai said was not part of the group involved in anti-social behaviour, was assaulted and taken to hospital.
While two members of gardai were also given treatment, and one Garda Patrol Vehicle was damaged.
In total, 19 people were arrested, including two juveniles who were released and referred for Juvenile Diversion Programme. Six persons received the Adult Caution, one person was released pending a summons for public order offences, while 10 people were charged with public order offences and will appear in court at a later date.
Gardai have also appealed to members of the public to continue to avoid large crowded areas and large gatherings in line with the current Covid-19 restrictions.
A spokesman said: "In support of Government announcements on reopening the economy and society with a specific continuing emphasis on outdoor activity An Garda Síochána will continue to patrol and manage crowds on public streets and spaces. While extra facilities are being provided by Local authorities An Garda Síochána appeals for consideration for other persons using the spaces, local residents and businesses.
"Where crowds gather An Garda Síochána's responsibility is preserving public order and preventing and investigating any criminal offence, which may occur. An Garda Síochána has been consistent from the start in our response to the Covid-19 pandemic, based on our tradition of policing by consent, An Garda Síochána will continue to focus on the approach engage, explain, encourage the public with enforcement only as a last resort.
"An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to the public to support and comply with public health guidelines to avoid crowded areas and large gatherings; take personal responsibility to protect yourself and others, wear face coverings in open spaces, and maintain social distancing. The wearing of face masks outdoors and social distancing are public health guidelines and are not penal regulations.
"The COVID-19 Pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to demonstrate personal and social responsibility to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations, in order to continue to save lives."
