Ireland

Increased Garda border patrols expected for St Patrick's Day

Gardaí are expected to increase patrols around the border on St Patrick's Day to ensure Covid restrictions are adhered to. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Gardaí are expected to increase patrols around the border on St Patrick's Day to ensure Covid restrictions are adhered to. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire Gardaí are expected to increase patrols around the border on St Patrick's Day to ensure Covid restrictions are adhered to. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire

GARDAÍ in Co Donegal are expected to increase patrols tomorrow to ensure Covid restrictions are adhered to throughout St Patrick’s Day.

The annual holiday traditionally brings a huge influx of visitors from across the border.

However, Donegal County Council chairwoman Rena Donaghey has urged people not to travel to the county.

“In normal circumstances, we would have a large number of visitors from Northern Ireland and we very much look forward to the day when we can return to that situation," she said.

"But for now, we are in Level 5 and we must adhere to the restrictions. If we do it right now, we can welcome visitors with open arms later in the year.”

Gardaí are also concerned about a potential increase house parties.

It follows an incident in Milford on Saturday in which three officers were injured, with two requiring hospital treatment.

Two men, understood to be from Northern Ireland, are expected to appear at Letterkenny District Court later this month.

Donegal-based officer Brendan O’Connor, who is vice-president of the Garda Representative Association, said members were concerned about house parties or other gatherings on St Patrick’s Day.

"We’re certainly concerned that people will be socialising, consuming alcohol which is the tradition but maybe in a different environment from which we’re used to policing like pubs and nightclubs,” he told Highand Radio.