Footage of hundreds of people gathering in Galway city has gone viral amid rising Covid-19 cases in the county.
Galway is one of the counties being closely monitored by NPHET with a decision likely to be made by the end of the week.
Hundreds of people gathered in the Shop Street and Spanish Arch areas of the city last night to socialise in scenes that local Fianna Fáil Senator Ollie Crowe labelled "simple unacceptable".
Alongside footage from the gathering last night, Mr Crowe wrote: "Have sympathy for those entering college for first time during Covid but these scenes are simply unacceptable, particularly with recent growth in Galway cases. Have contacted Millstreet Gardai & written to NUIG President though I fear damage may be done."
Local Fine Gael Councillor Eddie Hoare said numbers will "inevitably rise", adding that he expects Level Three restrictions to be introduced in Galway before the end of the week.
