People urged to shop responsibly as supermarkets experience long queues

People are being urged to shop responsibly and not to bulk or panic buy food.

Supermarkets around the country have experienced long queues today as people look to stock up on foot of the latest government restrictions.

The Mill Centre in Clondalkin at half 8 this morning for Dunnes. People are so f*cking stupid #LockdownIreland #StayAtHomeAndStaySafe #CoronaUpdate pic.twitter.com/CwDMJ1ON2Y

— Elle Skye Walker (@Vee_McCee) March 28, 2020

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is reminding people supplies are good and there is no need to panic buy.

No need to do all shopping or stockpile this morning. Food stores and takeaways staying open in the emergency. The 2km is about exercising locally. You can go beyond the 2km to buy food and medicines. The supplies are good. We all have a part to play in rising to this challenge

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) March 28, 2020

Arnold Dillion from Retail Ireland, says supply chains will continue to work well if people do not buy in bulk.

"The supply chains for supermarkets are operating as normal and if everyone shops responsibly and just buys what they need then there is plenty for everyone."

Mr Dillon said that supermarkets are working hard to react to people's buying habits.

"The last number of days have seen a significant change in people's buying patterns in shops because people are no longer going to restaurants and eating in work.

"This has changed the amount people are buying and what people are buying but supermarkets are working with their suppliers to anticipate these changes and make sure the shelves are fully stocked."

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