LAST UPDATE | 23 Oct

THE GARDA PRESENCE in Citywest will remain in place for four to five days, Chief Superintendent Michael McNulty has said.

Gardaí came under attack for the second night in a row last night while standing guard at the former Citywest Hotel, which was purchased by the state for use as an Ipas centre earlier this year.

There are around 1,200 Ukrainian refugees in the centre and approximately 460 international protection applicants.

Chief Superintendent McNulty said gardaí are “constantly” engaging with the local community to reassure them in the wake of the violence. 

“We’re getting huge support from the community, absolutely tremendous support from the community, that’s very much appreciated,” he added. 

Seventeen people have been charged after last night’s riot. 

The disorder began after a man appeared in court charged with the alleged sexual assault of a young girl in the vicinity of the hotel in the early hours of Monday morning.

The 26-year-old man, who cannot be named because of legal restrictions that apply to all sexual assault cases, appeared in court on Tuesday charged over the alleged incident.

A total of 24 people were arrested last night following an hours-long standoff with gardaí, who were directly struck with fireworks, rocks and bottles.

Four gardaí were injured in the disorder over the last two nights. All four received hospital treatment but have subsequently been discharged. 

Gardaí also seized 15 scooters and e-bikes, and a policing and security operation remains in place at Citywest.

‘This is not fun and games’

A spokesperson said significant criminal damage has been caused and there has been a significant impact to local community and services in the Saggart and Citywest area.

An investigation into the disorder is ongoing. It is being coordinated from an incident room at Clondalkin garda station and led by a senior investigating officer. 

Gardaí are continuing to review CCTV and body-worn camera footage in an attempt to identify those involved in “identifiable criminal activity”, in addition to carrying out forensic examinations at a number of locations.

They are appealing to the public, and to young males in particular, not to get involved in the disorder. A spokesperson said: 

This is not fun and games and entertainment for social media. The choices and reckless decisions you may make, to get involved or caught up in these events may have serious consequences and adversely affect the course of your future.

Gardaí are appealing to parents, family members and friends to engage with younger people and urge them “not to get involved in this criminal activity”. 

They are appealing to anyone with information on people involved in the disorder to contact the Garda investigation team at Clondalkin Garda Station at 01 6667600 or any member of An Garda Síochána at any Garda Station.

Members of the public can provide information confidentially to An Garda Síochána by contacting the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

‘No justification’ for attacks on gardaí

Between 7pm and 8pm yesterday evening, protesters again faced off with around 40 uniformed gardaí, who were then replaced with the Public Order Unit.

Protesters carried Irish flags, chanted anti-immigration slogans and threw missiles.

Public order gardai pushed the crowd further from the hotel by advancing with shields.

A mounted garda unit and a dog unit were at the scene and a police helicopter provided air support.

Several gardaí deployed pepper spray during the unrest.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, who visited the scene in the aftermath of the violence, told reporters on Wednesday he is “determined” that further people will be “brought before the courts to face justice”.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin condemned the scenes of violence and said there could be “no justification” for attacks on gardaí.

With reporting from Press Association and David Mac Redmond