The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Gardaí clear pub and beach as message fails to get through
GARDAÍ were forced to clear at least one public house and close off an entire beach on Sunday as the message on social distancing fell on deaf ears for some.
The concern raised by the public about packed beaches, parks and outdoor facilities has led the Government to introduce new and more restrictive measures this week, which include a recommendation that outdoor gatherings should not include more than four people, unless they live in the same house, and that people should not gather in crowded public spaces or amenities.
150 pubs in total have been inspected by gardaí across Kerry since the directive was introduced last week, with just one bar found with customers on two separate occasions.
The owner of the pub, located in a North Kerry village, was warned of the possibility of dire consequences for his business by gardaí.
They informed him they would be well within their rights to object to his licence being renewed on grounds of failure to comply with the national directive should the problem persist.
Though there were numerous reports of other public houses flouting the directive, gardaí reported just the one premises in breach twice.
Meanwhile, gardaí were left with no option but to clear Banna beach of hundreds of day-trippers on Sunday, eager to savour the beautiful day by the sea.
While the beach had been busy from early morning, it only became a problem late in the afternoon as the tide came in, forcing the walkers on top of one another on the thin sliver of strand.
Similarly concerns were raised at other locations in Kerry including at Killarney National Park.
The NPWS raised concerns about walkers not adhering to the social distancing guidelines at the park.
Superintendent Flor Murphy said the station received numerous calls of complaints over non-compliance with social distancing guidelines, and he urged the public to adhere to the physical distance.
Other guidelines today include the cancellations of all sporting events including those behind closed doors, the closure of all marts, beauty salons, and gyms. People should not visit each other’s houses either.