https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/lockdown-ireland-hundreds-gather-portmarnock-19542322Lockdown Ireland: Hundreds gather on Portmarnock beach with music and fireworks as Level 5 restrictions announcedThe gathering - clearly in breach of COVID-19 guidelines - is understood to have been organised to celebrate the full moon but grew as darkness fellBy Laura Lyne Reporter
22:36, 30 DEC 2020
NEWS
LARGE CROWDS GATHER ON PORTMARNOCK BEACH
Large crowds have gathered at a Dublin beach tonight in a blatant disregard of Level 5 restrictions currently in place in Ireland.
Footage has emerged of a large gathering on Portmarnock Beach in which hundreds of people can be seen gathering and playing loud music and letting off fireworks.
It is understood to be a gathering that was organised for the full moon on New Year's Eve but has been pushed forward as a tighter lockdown looms for all of Ireland.
Locals reported the garda helicopter over the seaside village this evening as gardai responded to the scene which is in breach of COVID-19 regulations.
A number of Portmarnock locals contacted Dublin Live to share their disappointment that the event was organised and went ahead.
There were 13 further COVID-19 related deaths announced today, along with 1,718 cases of the coronavirus - the highest ever.
A garda spokeswoman confirmed to Dublin Live: "Gardaí are currently responding to reports of a disturbance on Portmarnock Beach. Gardaí are en route to the alleged incident."
