Public order unit deployed as gardai come under fire for second night at Citywest

"Uniformed gardaí were sporadically pelted with fireworks and other objects as they formed a line to block the entrance to the facility, before public order gardaí moved in front of their line with riot shields to block objects being thrown. A large crowd has gathered at the entrance to the complex for a second night after scenes of violence on Tuesday. Bricks, fireworks and other missiles were launched at gardaí last night, seven people have been arrested in connection with the public disorder"

"There is a very heavy garda presence at the site, with a steel ring barricade erected near the entrance to keep protesters out. There is a significant garda presence at the front of the complex, where metal barriers had been erected to prevent access to the driveway leading up to the Citywest complex. Shortly after 7pm, gardaí approached those who had gathered and moved them away from the footpath directly across the road from the entrance."

Almost 300 gardaí attended the Citywest site where officers used pepper spray and public order units in riot gear confronted protesters throwing fireworks, bottles and bricks. A garda helicopter was deployed while a garda vehicle was set on fire and at least one garda was hospitalised. Multiple arrests were made, with seven people detained in relation to the disorder and five men later charged. Steel ring barricades and metal barriers were erected, and gardaí formed lines along Garter Lane to block access and move crowds away from the entrance. The Justice Minister vowed a forceful response.

Read at Irish Independent