The incident occurred yesterday.

An investigation has been launched after a group of protesters took over a Luas tram and told passengers to remove their face masks. Gardaí are investigating the incident, which occurred on the Red Line near Heuston Station yesterday afternoon following a rally by anti-mask groups. Luas operator Transdev said they will be supplying Gardaí with CCTV footage of the incident, which was also streamed via Facebook Live from a page called 'The Freedom Rally.' The footage showed the group boarding the tram and failing to comply with public health regulations, while singing songs and chants about face masks. “An Garda Síochána will investigate this matter and the advices of the Director of Public Prosecutions will be sought in respect of any further actions to be taken," said a statement from the Gardaí. “Gardaí are aware of videos circulating on social media showing a number of individuals on public transport not complying with public health regulations. There are a limited number of reasons as to why a person would be permitted to go without a face covering on public transport. These include:

• A physical or mental illness or a disability, or because it would cause severe distress
• Needing to communicate with someone who has difficulties communicating

People may also be permitted to remove a face mask on public transport for the following reasons:

• To provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person or to provide emergency assistance to someone
• To take medication
• To avoid harm or injury