Garda van set alight and public order unit deployed to Citywest amid unrest; Justice minister vows ‘forceful response’ to violence
Gardaí use pepper spray as fireworks and bottles are hurled at themGardaí in riot gear push protesters back as the garda helicopter is deployedLuas services from Saggart to Belgard are suspendedJustice Minister vows ‘forceful response from gardaí’
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 and other objects were thrown at gardaí as the crowd swelled in numbers.
The garda water cannon has been brought to the scene this evening but has not been used as of yet.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has said there will be a “forceful response from gardaí” to the scenes tonight.
There were chants of “Get them out” in the crowd, and many of those attending the protest were holding tricolours.
A barrier at the end of the driveway leading up to the hotel was put in place by gardaí. Hundreds of people gathered along the driveway with fireworks and bottles launched over the barrier at gardaí.
At around 7.30pm, the crowd on the driveway were pushed back towards Garter Lane. Pepper spray was used by gardaí to clear the crowd and push them back towards the road.
A group of men on horseback was seen attempting to breach the barrier set up by gardaí at the top of the driveway.
Garda van on fire outside Citywest Hotel, Saggart tonight (Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin)
Gardaí with riot shields were also present at the scene of the protest. Traffic on nearby roads was diverted away from the scene of the protest by gardaí.
The tense standoff between protesters and gardaí continues and a garda helicopter has been deployed.
Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said that the scenes at Citywest must be “condemned” and will see a “forceful response from gardaí”.
“People threw missiles at Gardaí, threw fireworks at them, and set a Garda vehicle on fire. This is unacceptable and will result in a forceful response from the Gardai. Those involved will be brought to justice.
“As has been made clear during the day, a man has been arrested and charged before the courts in relation to the alleged incident. While I am not in a position to comment any further on this criminal investigation, I have been advised that there is no ongoing threat to public safety in the area.
“Unfortunately, the weaponising of a crime by people who wish to sow dissent in our society is not unexpected. The Gardaí are prepared for this, but attacking Gardaí and property is not an answer, and won’t help to make anyone feel safe.
“It is clear to me from talking to colleagues during the day and this evening that this violence does not reflect the people of Saggart. They are not the people participating in this criminality, but rather the people sitting at home in fear of it.
“Attacks on Gardaí will not be tolerated. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. Violence is not. There is no excuse for the scenes we have witnessed tonight,” Minister O’Callaghan said.
Luas services from Saggart to Belgard have been suspended due to the unrest.
Red Line Services are currently not operating between Belgard and Saggart, with services only operating between Tallaght/Belgard and Connolly Station.
A Luas spokesperson said the disruption comes “following garda directive”.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused,” they added.
All Green Line services are unaffected and operating normally. Dublin Bus announced that the Route 69 service was able to serve Saggart and Citywest due to the protest, with buses diverted via the N7 to and from Kingswood Avenue.
The protest follows an alleged sexual assault of a young girl in the Saggart area. A much smaller protest was held at the Citywest yesterday evening, with a crowd of around 50 protesting on the grounds of the Citywest.
News in 90 Seconds – October 21st
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.”
