Six people have been arrested following violent scenes outside a Dublin hotel housing asylum seekers, where Irish police came under sustained attack from protesters hurling bricks, fireworks and bottles.
The disorder erupted on Tuesday evening at the Citywest Hotel in Saggart. Gardaí said demonstrators tried to force their way through police lines, with some charging the cordon on horse-drawn sulkies and others wielding garden tools and makeshift weapons.
A Garda vehicle was set alight, while the force’s helicopter was targeted with laser beams. One female officer suffered a foot injury and received treatment at the scene.
Garda Commissioner, Justin Kelly condemned the violence, describing the crowd as “a mob intent on violence against gardaí”.
Around 300 officers, including riot units, mounted officers and dog teams, were deployed, and a water cannon was used to push protesters back.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan vowed that those involved would face consequences.
Officials said the violence appeared to be organised in advance.
RTÉ crime correspondent Paul Reynolds reported that Gardaí were better equipped and prepared than during the 2023 Dublin riots, and that detectives are already reviewing CCTV and bodycam footage to identify further suspects.
