Dozens of people are to be prosecuted under the State’s Covid-19 legislation after gardaí broke up a house party in Longford town last night involving at least 70 revellers.

The intervention at the party, at a two-storey residence in the Palace Crescent area of Longford, took place at about 9:30pm. A Garda spokesperson said officers arrived at the property after receiving “countless” telephone calls from concerned local residents.

Upon arrival, officers found several cars, 4x4s and other vehicles parked along the footpath. Gardaí are said to have been refused entry more than once after approaching the front door.

Hospital Report

After a number of minutes, gardaí entered the residence where they found at least 70 people were present.

Dr Cillian De Gascun: ‘I don’t see sport as an at-all-cost thing’

---

Covid-19: 66 deaths, 1,078 cases reported as hospital caseload continues to fall

---

Taoiseach says there will be enough vaccinators for mass rollout

---

Government prepared to go ahead with Leaving Cert planning without ASTI support

---

It’s believed a bar, pool table and dartboard had been set up there. “This was a pure blatant disregard of Covid-19,” said a Garda source. “There was not a mask in sight, no social distancing, nothing.”

A Garda statement said a “significant number” of Fixed Penalty Notices were issued with regard to the party.

The statement said that after gardaí arrived at the property, they were met with “persistent non-engagement from those inside the house”.

“As a result of information received and observations, gardaí obtained a warrant to search the premises under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

“Shortly after 9.30pm, gardaí­ searched the house and discovered a large group of people present in breach of current Covid–19 Regulations. Gardaí­ engaged with those present and they eventually dispersed.

“FPNs will be issued to those identified including the organiser and homeowner. A man aged in his 20s was arrested at the scene under the Public Order Acts. Inquiries are ongoing.”