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There is to be no prosecution following an investigation into possible breaches of Covid-19 regulations in the pub owned by Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae in Kilgarvan, Co Kerry, last summer, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed.
An investigation was conducted by Killarney gardaí into the alleged breaches and a file was sent to the DPP.
Videos and still images appeared on social media last summer relating to people apparently gathered indoors without masks or social distancing, purportedly at the Kilgarvan pub.
One alleged incident is understood to be from a family wedding in July before Covid-19 restrictions on indoor hospitality services were lifted. The second alleged incident was in the aftermath of the annual Kilgarvan fair in early August.
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The matter was first reported on Radio Kerry in early August, and a Garda investigation was commenced.
“An investigation file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions who has since directed no prosecution in the matter,” the Garda Press Office said this weekend.
Mr Healy-Rae has been an outspoken critic of several pandemic regulations.
Pressed on Radio Kerry in September to comment on the allegations that he breached Covid-19 regulations, and on the Garda investigation, the TD refused to comment.
He was also asked whether gardaí had interviewed him, but refused to comment.