The Irish Independent's View: Garda response to Citywest shows lessons from Dublin riots learnt

"The riots happened after a man armed with a knife attacked a group of young children outside a school in Parnell Square. Gardaí regained control, but only after considerable damage to people, property and the reputation of our country. The riots were a wake-up call for the public about how quickly mayhem can descend on and spread through the streets, and the considerable challenges facing gardaí in a fast-paced scenario in which extremists will foment violence and take the law into their own hands."

"The aftermath saw much analysis of garda response time, resources and equipment. Gardaí rushing in from stations all over Leinster to support their coll­eagues were heading out on to the streets without the basics of helmets, shields and batons. The overwhelming public reaction, though, was for gardaí to be given the legislative, financial and training tools necessary to maintain law and order. When the State was threatened, there had to be a firm response."

"Policing of anti-immigration protests have presented significant difficulties to garda management. Often these events can be disorganised and unpredictable, even when they are intended to be peaceful. Gardaí have to balance the right to protest with the duty to maintain order. Garda management of such situations has improved significantly. However, gardaí were tested in west Dublin this week following an alleged sexual assault of a young girl in the vicinity of the Ipas centre at Citywest. Up to 2,000 people gathered."

A knife attack on children outside a Parnell Square school triggered riots that caused significant harm to people, property and national reputation. Rapid escalation exposed challenges for Gardaí in fast-moving, extremist-fomented disorder and prompted scrutiny of response time, resources and equipment. Reinforcements arrived from across Leinster without helmets, shields or batons. Public demand focused on stronger legislation, funding and training to maintain order. Policing anti-immigration protests remains difficult and unpredictable despite management improvements. A large west Dublin crowd after an alleged sexual assault tested preparedness, and violent disorder included a burning Garda van, projectiles and at least one injured officer.

Read at Irish Independent