Frontline gardaí demand tougher stance on violent Citywest protesters after officers injured

Protesters throw fireworks at Gardai officers near the Citywest Hotel in Saggart, as disturbances have flared outside the Dublin hotel which used to house asylum seekers. Picture:Niall Carson/PA Wire

Frontline gardaí have called on management to adopt a “more robust response” to violent protesters to protect members from serious injury.

The appeal from the Garda Representative Association (GRA) follows a second night of rioting by anti-migrant protesters outside the Citywest asylum accommodation centre in west Dublin.

One garda was struck in the face by an object, believed to be a glass bottle, while two others were injured. The crowd also threw fireworks, large bricks, and masonry at officers.

GRA vice president Niall Hodgins said: "I would like to commend our committed colleagues who held an extremely volatile frontline at Citywest last night while under constant threat of attack but this response has sadly come at a cost with two more gardaí sustaining injuries.” 

He said what began as a planned public protest has “descended into an ongoing full-scale threat to the safety of our members and the public.”

Gardai officers block protesters near the Citywest Hotel in Saggart, as disturbances have flared outside the Dublin hotel which used to house asylum seekers. Picture:Niall Carson/PA Wire

Mr Hodgins added: "It is our firm belief that these apparent protests are nothing but the continuation of violent riotous behaviour from night to night with the sole intention of causing damage to property and injury to our colleagues who bravely continue to protect the public.

"We have grave concerns for the safety of our members and colleagues, especially those deployed initially to face these violent thugs prior to the deployment of the public order units. It is becoming obvious that a more robust response is required far earlier to ensure no further injuries are inflicted on our members.” 

Gardai officers block protesters near the Citywest Hotel in Saggart, as disturbances have flared outside the Dublin hotel which used to house asylum seekers. Picture:Niall Carson/PA Wire

Garda Headquarters has said the organisation uses a tiered approach to protests — initially deploying members in soft-cap gear. When protests threaten to turn violent, public order units in protective gear are sent in.

The protest was called on Tuesday evening following an alleged rape of a child near Citywest early Monday morning.

Several far-right groups and individuals organised the protests on Tuesday and Wednesday. The alleged attack and subsequent demonstrations were amplified by prominent far-right figures in the US, Canada, and Britain. X owner Elon Musk also shared a post by an Irish agitator about the alleged assault.

Some 24 people were arrested during Wednesday night’s violence. Seventeen adults were charged, and five male juveniles were referred to the Youth Diversion Programme.

Protesters throw fireworks at Gardai officers near the Citywest Hotel, as disturbances have flared outside the Dublin hotel which used to house asylum seekers. Picture:Niall Carson/PA Wire

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) also issued a statement expressing alarm at the unrest.

“IHREC expresses deep concern for the wellbeing of the child at the centre of this case. This is now a matter for An Garda Síochána, who must be allowed to carry out their work and ensure that justice follows its proper course,” it said.

“We also express concern about the safety and welfare of those seeking international protection in Citywest and across Ireland. Every person has the right to feel safe here, yet fear is growing within these communities as hate-driven incidents increase.

“This should be a time for unity and reflection on how we protect all children, not a moment that leaves more young people frightened to walk to school because of anti-migrant violence outside their homes, over the last two nights.” 

Gardai officers block protesters near the Citywest Hotel, as disturbances have flared outside the Dublin hotel which used to house asylum seekers. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

IHREC said Citywest is a temporary home for children and families awaiting asylum decisions, and that they deserve compassion, dignity, and respect.

“The violence directed at An Garda Síochána is extremely concerning,” it added. “Were it not for their efforts over recent nights, the situation could have been far worse.

“Now is the moment for communities to stand together and reject the divisive hate being fuelled online. We need solidarity, not fear. Political leaders must demonstrate leadership and courage in safeguarding our most vulnerable communities; every person deserves safety and protection.”