Business leaders have again appealed to organisers of a “gathering” planned for Letterkenny today to abandon their plans.
A large crowd is expected at Market Square to hold a “peaceful assembly” against Covid restrictions.
Organisers took to social media last night to encourage as many people as possible to get onto the streets of Letterkenny for today’s planned event.
A bus has also been organised to collect people from Derry who wish to attend.
The group, which is called ‘Time for Truth Donegal/Derry’ has over 1,500 members on Facebook.
It is not known if those who gather at Market Square in Letterkenny will wear masks or face-shields.
Toni Forrester, CEO of Letterkenny Chamber appealed to those organising the gathering to cancel it.
“We’re disappointed that organisers felt they need to go ahead with this gathering. Everyone is sacrificing so much to get our numbers down and get back to some kind of normality and economic activity. We would appeal to them not to gather today,” she said.
Local county councillor Micheal Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig called on the group to abandon the gathering.
“I think this is simply irresponsible as do the majority of people in our country who are right now very concerned for loved ones and their wellbeing.
“However, in the current climate, I do not think that mass-gatherings are a good idea.
“I have made contact with the organisers asking that they be responsible and to show respect to all frontline workers.
“These people are suggesting that we should not wear masks and as far as I know they will not be wearing masks when they meet.
“The reality is that they will be putting other people’s health at risk by doing this.
“I am calling on them to abandon their plans and to think of others, especially the old and vulnerable in our society,” he said.
He added that the belief of these people to think that Covid is a worldwide conspiracy which is connected to vaccinations and G5 is laughable.
A spokesperson for the Garda Press office referred to the Government regulations on the introduction of Phase 3 of the Covid restrictions.
“Yesterday, the Government on the advice on NPHET announced increased public health measures that are being applied to stop the spread of Covid 19 in Co Donegal commencing at midnight on Friday 25th September.
“The Department of health are the lead agency for Covid 19 related regulations and public health guidelines. An Garda Síochána will provide further information when it is appropriate to do so.
“The COVID-19 Pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations in order to continue to save lives.”