Garda van set alight and public order unit deployed as gardaí and protesters clash in Citywest
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A tense standoff between protesters and gardaí continues and a garda helicopter has been deployedJustice Minister says there is no further threat to local community following alleged assault
Gardaí surrounded by crowds at the Citywest. Photo: Collins.
A garda vehicle was set alight during the unrest this evening.
A garda vehicle has been set alight amid unrest at the entrance to the Citywest Hotel in Dublin this evening.
Public order gardaí were deployed to the hotel in west Dublin tonight after a large crowd gathered at the entrance of the facility, which is currently being used to house asylum-seekers.
Fireworks and other objects were thrown at gardaí as the crowd swelled in numbers. Gardaí engaged a number of people as they attempted to clear the entrance to the facility. A number of people were pepper sprayed.
A barricade erected at the entrance by gardaí was the line of contact between protesters and officers before the public order unit came from behind the barrier and moved the crowd.
A garda vehicle was set alight during the unrest this evening.
Earlier, a number of gardaí near the entrance to the Citywest Hotel were chased along the road by a large group and at least two men on horses.
A tense standoff between protesters and gardaí continues and a garda helicopter has been deployed.
This is the second night of crowds gathering at the facility, which is being used as an IPAS facility to house people seeking international protection.
Gardaí surrounded by crowds at the Citywest. Photo: Collins.
News in 90 Seconds – October 21st
This comes after a man was charged earlier today in connection with an alleged assault of a child at the entrance of the facility.
In a statement this evening, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said there is no further threat to the local community following the alleged assault.
He said he has spoken to gardaí who have assured him there is “no correlation” between the location of IPAS centres and crime levels in a community.
Mr O’Callaghan said: “I have asked my secretary general for a detailed account of the management of the asylum application process in this case.
“Our first concern is with the safety and wellbeing of the young girl involved, and my colleague Minister Norma Foley has been working to ensure she is provided with every available support.
“A man has been arrested and charged before the courts in relation to the alleged incident, so I am not in a position to comment any further on this criminal investigation.
“However, it is clear that An Garda Síochána responded promptly, locating the girl and taking her to safety while immediately beginning an investigation.
“I have been advised that there is no ongoing threat to public safety in the area. Also, An Garda Síochána has informed me that there is no correlation between the location of IPAS centres and crime levels in a community.
“Since taking office I have sought to operate a robust and rules-based immigration processing and enforcement system.”
More to follow..
