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Irish police condemned the scenes at Citywest as “thuggery” and an “attempt to intimidate”.
A Garda spokesman said yesterday: “Members of An Garda Síochána on duty at a public meeting in Citywest this evening were subjected to sustained violence. This was not a peaceful protest. The violence displayed was thuggery and an attempt to intimidate and injure.”
“There were sustained attacks on Garda Cordons throughout the evening, including physical violence, bricks and fireworks thrown at Garda members and the arson of a Garda van.
“The boxes containing hundreds of used glass bottles in the area were emptied and the contents were used as missiles. In addition, an attempt was made to overcome the Garda cordon by filling the rope with horsemen. It was seen that the individuals were carrying tools such as garden forks and tools and damaging the walls in the area to obtain missiles.
“The Garda helicopter was targeted with lasers. A member of An Garda Síochána received medical attention for a foot injury. Six people were arrested primarily for Public Order Offenses.
“An Garda Síochána conducted a police operation for this public meeting organized by different groups who were inciting hatred and violence on social media and encouraging and persuading others to attend.
“Approximately 300 members of An Garda Síochána were on duty throughout the evening, including over 125 uniform members, 150 Public Order members, the Water Polo, Mounted Unit and Air Support Unit and the Canine Unit supported by members in Regional Control rooms.
“Units in the Dublin District were supported by their counterparts in the Garda East District. Garda Síochána Public Order Incident Command policy was implemented.
“Garda Public Order Units were deployed in full protective equipment and used Incapacitating spray to repel sustained physical attacks on Garda Lines. An investigation was launched and a Senior Investigating Officer was appointed.”
