Gardaí in Ennis say large gatherings are not advisable at this time.
It comes as a ‘Black Lives Matter’ protest has been planned for the town centre this Saturday to highlight the importance of anti-racism solidarity, following the death of George Floyd in America.
But a number of people have contacted Gardaí in Ennis with concerns about social distancing if the protest goes ahead, as Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill reports.
A Senior Garda Spokeman has confirmed to Clare FM that they’ve been contacted by a number of concerned citizens in relation to Saturday’s planned peaceful demonstration.
The Black Lives Matter event is due to take place at The Height and organisers say there will be social distancing markings in place, and are asking anyone attending to wear masks and carry hand sanitiser.
But Gardaí are urging people to adhere to HSE guidelines, saying mass gatherings of this kind are not advisable at this time.
They hope to speak with the organisers in the coming days.
Thousands of people gathered on O’Connell Street in Dublin on Bank Holiday Monday and marched to the US Embassy in Ballsbridge, in response to the death of George Floyd in America.
Gardaí took names and addresses of those at the scene and are liaising with the Director of Public Prosecutions on whether to take further action.
Meanwhile, black people from Clare have been giving their reactions to the death of George Floyd, as part of a discussion on racism here in Ireland.
Former President of the Nigerian Community, Abi Ladigbolu, says the same level of violence wouldn’t be experienced here in Ireland, because of the model of policing within An Garda Síochána.
However, he says he was shocked to hear about what happened.
Victoria Olukitibi, who also hails from Nigeria, has lived in Ennis for most of her life.
While she says people see Ireland as being multi-cultural and accepting, she believes racism is widespread here.
Victoria is hopeful that these demonstrations like the event planned for Saturday will achieve something, but believes that real action, rather than words, is needed to tackle racism here.
