Six people arrested and garda injured as almost 300 officers attend scene of 'sustained violence and thuggery' at Citywest

"Public order gardaí were deployed to the hotel after a large crowd gathered at the entrance of the facility, which is currently being used to house asylum-seekers. Fireworks, bricks, bottles and other objects were thrown at gardaí as the crowd swelled in numbers. The garda water cannon was brought to the scene. A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said members "were subjected to sustained levels of violence"."

"This was not peaceful protest. The violence exhibited was thuggery and an attempt to intimidate and injure. During the evening there were sustained attacks on Garda Cordons, including physical violence, bricks thrown and fireworks discharged at Garda members and the arson of a Garda van. Bins with hundreds of used glass bottles in the area were emptied and contents used as missiles."

Gardaí deployed public order units, riot gear, pepper spray, the garda water cannon and a helicopter to control violence outside a hotel housing asylum-seekers. Protesters hurled fireworks, bricks, bottles and other missiles, emptied bins of glass bottles for use as projectiles, and set fire to a Garda van. Individuals attempted to breach cordons, charged lines with horse-drawn sulkies and were seen carrying garden forks and tools. One Garda received medical treatment for a foot injury at the scene. Six people were arrested, primarily for public order offences. Luas services between Saggart and Belgard were suspended and the Justice Minister vowed a forceful Garda response.

Read at Irish Independent