Gardai out in force in Kilkenny amid warning of St Patrick’s Day house parties

Residents in Kilkenny city and county are being urge to stay home and stay safe this St Patrick’s Day and to avoid large gatherings and house parties.

That’s the message from An Garda Siochána in Kilkenny, who despite constant and consistent public health advice, continue to find some people gathering in large groups at social occasions and at house parties.

Nationally, gardai have issued more than 2,100 fines issued to people for organising or attending a house party. Officers say events such as these put those attending, and everyone they meet afterwards, at risk of catching Covid-19.

More than 2,500 gardaí will be on duty across the country tomorrow. Extra gardai will also be on patrol in Kilkenny at public amenities, conducting checkpoints focused on non-essential travel.

Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, Anne Marie McMahon said: “While it won’t be a normal St Patrick’s Day, we can still all enjoy the day safely at home.

“Staying home this St Patrick’s Day is the best thing people can do for their country and the best thing they can do for the people they know and love.”