Gardaí preparing for thousands at pro-Palestinian and far-right rallies in Cork
It is understood that gardaí are preparing for a crowd of between 8,000 to 10,000 people.
A pro-Palestine march and what's being billed as a "national protest for Ireland", organised by anti-immigration campaigners and far-right agitators, are set to take place in the city at around the same time on Saturday afternoon.
A Munster–wide rally and march for Palestine is set to start at 1pm on the Grand Parade.
There has been a march for Palestine through Cork City every Saturday since the war in Gaza started.
On Saturday, members of the public and Palestinian solidarity groups from across Cork, Kerry, Clare, Limerick, Waterford and Tipperary will converge on the city for what could be one of the largest rallies to date.
They will gather afterwards on the Grand Parade where speakers will call on the Irish Government to place sanctions on Israel, to stop the Central Bank from authorising the sale of Israeli bonds in Europe, and to pass a strong Occupied Territories Bill.
Anti-immigration
At around the same time, several leading anti-immigration activists and far-right agitators are also set to gather on the Grand Parade for what they've called a "national protest for Ireland".
Several thousand people marched in a similar rally in Dublin last month.
The former Ireland First leader and failed European and general election candidate Derek Blighe is among the main organisers of the Cork event.
Participants will then move from the Grand Parade and march to City Hall, where speakers are expected to criticise the Government and the media on a range of issues — including immigration, housing, and health.
In a statement on Friday, gardaí said they are aware of and prepared for both events.
'Ireland operates as a constitutional democracy, ensuring that citizens have the right to express their beliefs and opinions freely, as well as to gather peacefully, in accordance with legal provisions,' a spokesperson said.
To manage public gatherings effectively, An Garda Síochána employs appropriate and proportionate policing measures, enabling citizens to exercise their rights while maintaining public order
'In response to evolving events, An Garda Síochána follows a community policing model, adopting a graduated approach that aligns with relevant legislation and prioritises public safety.'
The Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign says it has organised online training with up to 50 stewards to 'protect their movement, space, and community', and that they have had extensive contact with gardaí on logistics.
Traffic disruption is expected in the city centre island area around lunchtime, and could last for over an hour.
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