Irish police maintain a heavy presence near Dublin’s Citywest Hotel after riots triggered by an alleged assault on a child left several officers injured and more than 20 people arrested.
Irish police remained on alert on Thursday (October 23) evening after several nights of violent unrest outside a Dublin hotel housing asylum seekers, where anti-immigration activists clashed with officers and set vehicles ablaze, the left-leaning British daily newspaper The Guardian reported.
The Citywest Hotel in Saggart, southwest Dublin, has become the latest flashpoint in Ireland’s ongoing immigration tensions. The Gardaí, Ireland’s national police force, deployed large numbers of officers in anticipation of renewed disturbances, following violent scenes on Tuesday (October 21) and Wednesday (October 22) nights that left four officers injured and a police van destroyed.
According to the Irish public broadcaster RTE, around 100 people gathered outside the hotel on Thursday (October 23) evening, but the demonstration ended peacefully after organizers urged participants to disperse at about 9.30pm.
The earlier violence was sparked by reports that a 10-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted near the hotel on Monday (October 20). A 26-year-old man, reportedly an asylum seeker, appeared in court on Tuesday (October 21) charged in connection with the alleged assault.
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Riots and arrests
The unrest escalated sharply midweek. Time magazine reported that Gardaí were pelted with bricks, fireworks, and glass bottles on Wednesday (October 22), leaving three officers injured -- two of whom were hospitalized. At least 24 people were arrested for public order offenses, including five juveniles later released under the Youth Diversion Programme.
In a statement issued yesterday, Chief Superintendent Michael McNulty described the events as "thuggery and an attempt to intimidate and injure," saying officers had faced "sustained levels of violence." He said rioters charged police lines using horse-drawn carts and makeshift weapons such as garden tools and debris.
On Tuesday Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly condemned the violence in a statement, saying "this was a mob intent on violence against Gardaí." The force deployed public order units, mounted and dog teams, air support, and even a water cannon to regain control.
Police have pledged to maintain a visible presence at the Citywest complex for at least a week, with riot gear, horses, and water cannons on standby.
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Political reaction
Taoiseach (leader) Micheál Martin "strongly condemned" the disorder, praising the Gardaí for their "courageous" response. "There can be no justification for the vile abuse against them," he said.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan warned against the "weaponizing of a crime by people who wish to sow dissent in our society," and urged the public not to join violent demonstrations.
Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys called the scenes "absolutely horrific" during a televised debate, saying, "There are men and women of An Garda Síochána being attacked and missiles are being thrown at them. This is wrong. This is not what we are as a country."
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Growing tension
Ireland has seen a rise in anti-immigration sentiment in recent years, with far-right groups exploiting social media to rally protests outside migrant, asylum seeker and refugee accommodation centers. Demonstrations have also taken place in Northern Ireland and across the UK following alleged crimes involving migrants.
In November 2023, central Dublin witnessed major riots after a stabbing attack on three children near a primary school. Similar unrest erupted in Ballymena in June after an alleged sexual assault case involving teenagers of Romanian descent.
The Gardaí have urged the public to stay away from violent protests. "This is not fun and games or entertainment for social media," the force said in a statement on Thursday (October 23). "The reckless decisions you may make to get involved may have serious consequences."
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