An Garda Síochána confirmed they arrested a total of eight people in Cork city on Sunday in relation to public order offences.

In a statement issued this morning, the organisation said: “Gardaí in Cork patrolled major amenities in the city during the day and continued to engage with local residents and businesses.

“The city centre remained relatively calm through the evening with no significant incidents reported. At 11pm, following a public order incident, a decision was taken to disperse persons from Kennedy Quay.”

Access to the quay had been limited by the Port of Cork, which had erected fencing in the area after crowds had gathered there the previous weekend. Several hundred gathered in the accessible areas, and remained peaceful and safe throughout the evening.

The policing action came during a tense weekend which saw Gardaí close off entire streets of Dublin city centre on Saturday, including main thoroughfares such as Grafton Street, South William Street and Dame Street. The Luas was also temporarily suspended as a result of a Garda directive. Public Order Unit Gardaí deployed riot shields and batons in dispersing crowds, leading to widespread criticism from the politicians across the spectrum.

Reports from Kennedy Quay suggest Gardaí in Cork took a very different approach at Kennedy Quay, instructing people to move back from the quayside and remain in their own separate groups.

Additionally, 12 people were arrested in Cork city centre on Saturday for public order offences.