Six people were arrested, a Garda van was torched and one officer injured after violent scenes erupted outside an accommodation centre in Citywest, in what senior Gardaí have described as an orchestrated and preplanned attack organised online. The unrest saw masked men hurl bricks, fireworks, and bottles at officers, as a crowd of around 2,000 people descended into chaos yesterday night.
Shortly after 7pm, around 2,000 people gathered near the complex in Saggart, following allegations surrounding the sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl in the area. A 26-year-old asylum seeker has since appeared in court in connection with the incident, and a translator was requested on his behalf.
What began as a protest quickly descended into chaos as masked and hooded men launched fireworks, bricks, and glass bottles at Gardaí. A Garda van was set on fire, and the Luas stop in the area was vandalised. Officers in riot gear were forced to deploy the Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Air Support, and for the first time, the Garda water cannon, although the cannon itself was not used.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly condemned the violence in the strongest terms, describing it as “thuggery.” He said: “An Garda Síochána facilitate peaceful protest on a daily basis. This was obviously not a peaceful protest. The actions this evening can only be described as thuggery. This was a mob intent on violence against Gardaí.”
He praised officers for their bravery, adding: “I utterly condemn the attacks on Gardaí who did their jobs professionally and with great courage to keep people safe. Public order units, dog unit, mounted unit, air support and the water cannon were deployed along with front-line colleagues, which brought the situation to a conclusion. We will now begin the process of identifying those who committed crimes and we will bring those involved in this violence to justice.”
Chief Superintendent Michael McNulty, who led the operation, said the disturbance was “a public gathering organised by disparate groups on social media who stir up hatred and violence and encourage others to get involved.” Gardaí had received intelligence earlier in the day suggesting violence was being planned and called in reinforcements from Kildare, Laois, and Waterford.
During the clashes, protesters attempted to breach Garda lines using horse-drawn sulkies, while others armed themselves with tools and garden forks. Gardaí were targeted with lasers, traffic cones, and missiles, prompting officers to use pepper spray in response.
After more than two hours of violent disorder, calm was eventually restored by 10pm. More than 300 Gardaí, including 125 in uniform and several specialist units, were deployed in the operation.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said there could be “no justification for the vile abuse” faced by officers. He added: “I strongly condemn the violent disorder that unfolded in Citywest this evening. I pay tribute to the frontline Gardaí who acted courageously and quickly to restore order. An Garda Síochána protect us all and have a proud tradition of service to the Irish people. 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.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris also condemned the unrest, saying: “There is no excuse for this type of violence and thuggery against the men and women who serve to protect us and victims of crime every day.”
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan called the events “unacceptable by people who wish to sow dissent in our society.” He said those involved “will be brought to justice.”
The Dublin Fire Brigade assisted with the cleanup after the incident, confirming that none of its personnel were injured. Both Luas and Dublin Bus services to Saggart were temporarily suspended during the unrest.
As the violence unfolded, presidential candidates Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys addressed the situation live during the RTÉ Prime Time Presidential Debate, both condemning the scenes. Connolly said the disorder was “upsetting” and “deeply disturbing,” while Humphreys echoed her call for calm.
Gardaí have now launched a full investigation, gathering CCTV and bodycam footage to identify additional suspects. Detectives have vowed that all individuals involved in the attacks will face prosecution.
Chief Superintendent McNulty said the operation’s focus now is accountability: “We are determined to ensure that those who planned and participated in this violence are identified and brought before the courts.”
