A MAN IN his 30s remains in custody as investigations continue into the assault and robbery of two off-duty gardaí in Dublin city centre yesterday, which has left one of the officers in critical condition.

The off-duty gardaí were attacked in the Temple Bar area of Dublin at approximately 1:30am on Saturday morning. One of the two men, aged in his 40s, was taken to Beaumont Hospital Dublin where he remains in critical condition.

The second man was taken to St James’s Hospital Dublin for medical treatment and has been subsequently discharged.

Both gardaí are members of the Armed Support Unit, The Journal understands. It is believed the incident happened as the gardaí were making their way home from socialising in the city.

The arrest was made yesterday evening by gardaí in Pearse Street, as investigations continue.

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to the alleged assault which occurred at the junction of Dame Street and Eustace Street, Dublin 2.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said in a statement that his thoughts are with the victims of the attack, adding that the perpetrators “will face the full rigours of the law”.

My thoughts are with the off duty Gardai who were victims of an alarming & agregious attack in Temple Bar last night, one of who remains in hospital. The perpetrators of this attack will face the full rigours of the law. Anyone with information, please contact An Garda Siochana

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) December 14, 2024

Justice Minister Helen McEntee described the attack as “appalling”, while Tánaiste Micheál Martin described the incident as an “unprovoked and brutal attack”.

Gardaí confirmed in a statement this morning that the man arrested in connection with the attack “remains in custody at a Garda station in the Dublin Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984″.