A Garda helicopter was targeted with lasers and a police van set on fire as violent clashes broke out outside an asylum centre in Dublin on Tuesday night, the second evening of unrest following an alleged sexual assault nearby.
Six people were arrested and one police officer injured as hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Citywest Hotel, where bricks, bottles, and fireworks were hurled at officers. Gardaí described scenes of “thuggery” as tensions flared between demonstrators and riot police.
‘A Mob Intent on Violence’
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly condemned the violence, saying:
“This was obviously not a peaceful protest. The actions this evening can only be described as thuggery. This was a mob intent on violence.”
He said investigators would now begin identifying those responsible:
“We will bring those involved in this violence to justice.”
Witnesses reported seeing some protesters carrying garden tools, including garden forks, as fireworks exploded over police lines. A Garda water cannon was deployed, the first time such equipment has been used in the Republic of Ireland.
Second Night of Protests After Alleged Assault
The unrest follows the alleged sexual assault of a young girl near the Citywest Hotel in the early hours of Monday morning. The accused, a 26-year-old man, appeared in court earlier this week charged with sexual assault. An Arabic translator was requested during proceedings.
While Monday night’s demonstration remained largely peaceful, Tuesday’s protest quickly descended into violence.
“It’s hard to estimate numbers,” said Stephen Murphy, RTÉ’s Ireland correspondent. “But it’s thought up to 2,000 people attended. Most were peaceful — some were not.”
After a Garda van was set ablaze, officers moved in to push the crowd back. Stones and bottles were thrown, and fireworks were launched at police as the smell of smoke and explosives filled the air.
Government Condemns ‘Vile Abuse’
Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised frontline Gardaí for their response, condemning the attacks as “vile” and “unjustifiable.”
“There can be no justification for the vile abuse against them, or the attempted assaults and attacks on members of the force that will shock all right-thinking people,” he said.
Deputy premier Simon Harris echoed the sentiment, calling the violence “thuggery” and “inexcusable.”
“There is understandable shock and horror across our country over the alleged incident that is now before the courts,” he said.
“But there is no excuse for this type of violence against the men and women who serve to protect us.”
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan confirmed that those involved “will be brought to justice.”
“People threw missiles and fireworks at Gardaí and set a Garda vehicle on fire,” he said. “This is unacceptable and will result in a forceful response.”
Community Tensions and Political Backdrop
The Citywest Hotel, once a popular conference venue, has since been converted into an asylum reception centre, a move that has sparked controversy among some local residents.
While many locals expressed sympathy for victims of crime and concern about immigration policy, most condemned the violence.
“It’s not about hatred for those who come to Ireland,” one resident told local media. “It’s about frustration with the government’s open-door policy.”
The unrest comes two years after major riots in central Dublin, triggered by an anti-immigrant protest following a knife attack that injured three children.
‘Violence Will Not Be Tolerated’
Justice Minister O’Callaghan reiterated that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy, but warned that violence “will not be tolerated.”
“There is no ongoing threat to public safety,” he added. “But those involved in last night’s disorder will face the full force of the law.”
