Six people were arrested after violence flared outside the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, which is being used to house asylum seekers. A Garda vehicle was set alight as a large crowd gathered on Tuesday evening, with missiles and fireworks directed at officers. Protesters displayed Irish flags and shouted while public order units moved in. A Garda member required medical attention for a foot injury, and officers faced bricks and fireworks as a Garda van was burned. The helicopter overhead was also targeted with lasers.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said the demonstrations were not peaceful and described the actions as thuggery by a mob intent on violence against Gardai. He said the force would identify those involved and bring them to justice. Public order units, in full protective gear and supported by pepper spray, were deployed to restore order. A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the inquiry. The violence occurred on the second night of demonstrations outside Citywest.

The protests follow an alleged sexual assault reported nearby in the early hours of Monday. Taoiseach Micheál Martin condemned the violence and praised frontline gardai for their work. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said those involved would be brought to justice and that attacks on gardai would not be tolerated. The Luas Red Line services between Belgard and Saggart were suspended, and damage was reported at the Saggart stop. About 300 gardai were on duty, including more than 125 in uniform, 150 in public order units, plus mounted, dog and air support, with pepper spray used to repel sustained attacks.