Anti-mask campaigners hold sit-down protest on Grafton Street

Gardaí investigate organisation of protests which may breach the Covid-19 regulations

Hundreds of protesters have gathered in Dublin City centre as part of an anti-government protest organised by a group called 'Yellow Vest Ireland'. Video: Nick Bradshaw

Hundreds of anti-mask campaigners held a sit-down in the middle of Grafton Street on Saturday afternoon as part of a protest in Dublin city centre.

The protesters started with a rally outside the Custom House before marching to Grafton Street chanting “no more lockdown” and “no more masks”.

They also shouted at shoppers to “take off your masks”.

Protesters seen at the Custom House in Dublin City centre. Photograph Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times
Protesters seen at the Custom House in Dublin City centre. Photograph Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times
The protest was organised by Health Freedom Ireland and  Yellow Vest Ireland.  Photograph Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times
The protest was organised by Health Freedom Ireland and Yellow Vest Ireland. Photograph Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times

The Custom House protest had been arranged by an organisation called Health Freedom Ireland and was supported by Yellow Vest Ireland.

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Both organisations are anti-mask, anti-lockdown and anti mandatory vaccinations.

Among the speakers at the protest was Dr Andrew Wynne who said Covid-19 was not a deadly virus and people did not need to fear it.

In a statement, gardaí said protesters “dispersed without incident” after the Grafton Street sit-down.

It said it will investigate the organisation of the protest.

The statement added: "In supporting the Covid-19 public health guidelines and regulations, An Garda Síochána has and will continue to adopt a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent.

"Where potential breaches of the public health regulations are identified, a file is submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a direction as to how to proceed."

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy is a news reporter with The Irish Times