Gardai detain people as anti-immigration protesters gather on Dublin's O’Connell street this afternoon(Image: Collins Photos)

19 people arrested as anti-immigration protests shut down Dublin city centre

Two Garda Public Order Units were deployed to clear protesters who had staged a sit-down protest on O’Connell Bridge

19 Sep 2024, 18:37 by Cathal Ryan · Irish Mirror

Gardaí made 19 arrests throughout Thursday’s protests in Dublin city centre, with 100 uniform Gardaí and two public order units deployed over the city.

Hundreds of anti-immigration protesters gathered outside the GPO on O’Connell Street to march to Leinster House. A large group of pro-immigration protesters also gathered in the capital in counter-protest, chanting “far-right loyalists, get off our streets”.

Garda barriers prevented protesters, who waved Irish flags and signs that said “Irish Lives Matter”, from arriving at Leinster House, with the anti-refugee protesters then staging a sit-down protest on O’Connell Bridge.

Eventually, after deploying two Garda Public Order Units, authorities succeeded in clearing the protesters from the bridge.

A Garda spokesperson told the Irish Mirror that In advance of the planned protests, Gardaí had a comprehensive policing operation in place at several locations in Dublin City Centre.

Members of An Garda Siochana form a Garda line on O’Connell Bridge, Dublin(Image: Collins Photos)

They said: “From early morning, 100 uniformed Gardaí were on duty to facilitate protests including one that was led from O’Connell St, Dublin 1 to Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, and one at Grafton St, Dublin 2.

“This operation was coordinated from a central Garda Control Room and led by a Chief Superintendent.

“In the course of the protests, Gardaí were required to respond to a number of public order incidents including one that occurred at Grafton Street, Dublin 2 at approximately 2:30pm.

“In order to ensure the safety of all protestors and the general public, Gardaí implemented a graduated policing response taking into account relevant legislation with enforcement as a last resort.

“Throughout the day, Gardaí engaged with protestors and directions were given to those that had gathered at O’Connell Bridge to disperse from the area within the hour. This direction was not adhered to and two Garda Public Order Units were subsequently deployed.”

There were tense scenes in the capital on Thursday(Image: Collins)

The Garda spokesperson confirmed a total of 19 arrests made as part of today’s operation, with Gardaí remaining on patrol in the city.

They told the Irish Mirror: “A total of 19 arrests were made as part of today’s operation – no further information is available at this time.

“An Garda Síochána is not aware of any injuries at this time. O’Connell Bridge and surrounding roads are open and traffic is now moving.

“Uniform Gardaí and Garda Public Order Units will remain on proactive patrol in Dublin City Centre for the remainder of this evening. Investigations are ongoing.”

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