Gardai have closed down access to parts of Co Wicklow after large volumes of people drove there to go walking yesterday.
The Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team was one of the agencies to highlight its concerns yesterday about so many people gathering in one area despite the social distancing period now in place in the Republic due to Covid19.
There was particular concern about the number of people gathering in the upper car park in Glendalough where stalls selling food and drink were trading and appeared to draw a lot of people to one place.
The access block now in place impacts the Glendalough Valley and Wicklow Gap areas.
While most cyclists riding in Co Wicklow would arrive and pass through by bike, rather than car, the closures may impact cyclists or dissuade them from going cycling there.
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The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht said in a statement this morning: “Car parks, food outlets and facilities in the Glendalough Valley are closed
“Due to unprecedented visitor numbers and social
distancing concerns (the Garda) has blocked access to Glendalough Valley at
Wicklow Gap junction. Please avoid.”
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Wicklow County Council also issued a statement saying: “Wicklow
County Council wishes to advise members of the public that the Upper Car Park
at Glendalough is closed, including the food franchises at this location, until
further notice.
“The Council has taken this decision due to concerns
regarding social distancing requirements.
“We regret the inconvenience caused and would ask members of the public to observe HSE guidelines as regards social distancing."
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