Six Arrested as Violent Protests Erupt in Saggart; Garda Van Set Ablaze and Officers Injured

Dublin: Gardaí have confirmed that six people have been arrested in connection with the burning of a Garda van and the throwing of fireworks and stones at officers during a large-scale protest in Saggart, County Dublin, on Tuesday evening.

The protest — attended by approximately 1,000 people — turned violent outside the Citywest Hotel, which is currently being used by the government as a temporary accommodation centre for international refugees. The demonstration followed an alleged sexual assault incident reported at the centre in recent day.

Escalation and Garda Response

According to Garda sources, what began as a peaceful gathering quickly descended into chaos as some protesters attempted to breach barricades, wielding traffic cones, garden tools, and broken wall bricks. Others reportedly filled garbage bins with glass bottles and hurled them at officers.

A Garda helicopter provided aerial surveillance as the crowd clashed with police. When the situation escalated, public order units, supported by cavalry, dog squads, and water cannon vehicles, were deployed to regain control. Gardaí also used pepper spray to disperse rioters, and by 11 p.m., the majority of the crowd had retreated, though smaller groups remained in the area.

Injuries and Property Damage

Several Garda officers sustained injuries, some of them serious. The force described the scenes as “brutal and intimidatory acts of violence.”

“This was not a peaceful protest,” the Garda Síochána said in an official statement. “Officers were attacked with stones, fireworks, and makeshift weapons. A Garda van was set on fire, and bins filled with glass bottles were used as weapons.”

Authorities also reported that laser fireworks were aimed at a Garda helicopter, and some protesters attempted to breach police lines using horse-drawn carriages.

More than 300 Gardaí participated in the operation, including 125 uniformed officers, 150 plainclothes personnel, and members of specialist units.

Transport Disruptions and Public Safety Measures

The Luas Red Line service between Belgard and Saggart was suspended on Garda instructions, and Dublin Bus route 69 was diverted via Kingswood Avenue, avoiding Saggart and Citywest.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly condemned the violence, describing it as “pure hooliganism”.

“This went far beyond peaceful protest,” Kelly said. “The attacks on officers were unacceptable. Gardaí acted professionally and bravely to protect the public and maintain order.”

Authorities have expressed concern over the rising anti-refugee sentiment across Ireland, warning that such violence undermines legitimate public concerns and puts communities at risk.

Irish Samachar English News

Kindly click to join WhatsApp group chat to get important news and breaking news from Irish Samachar

{OR} Kindly click to follow the Irish Samachar News channel on WhatsApp