At least 19 arrests have been made following an anti-immigration protest which brought transport in Dublin city centre to a standstill yesterday afternoon.
At around 2pm, hundreds of protestors gathered by the GPO on O’Connell Street objecting to immigration policies in Ireland that support asylum seekers and those under international protection.
Organised by anti-immigration group Citizens of Éire, demonstrators held Irish flags, chanting “Irish lives matter” and “get them out” while marching to Leinster House.
Upon news of this protest, anti-racism activists from the United Against Racism group began to assemble near Grafton Street, coming face-to-face with the anti-immigration protesters.
These activists chanted “Far-right loyalists, get off our streets” and “Refugees are welcome here”.
Gardaí intervened as both groups approached Molesworth Street, forming a line separating the two protests to prevent the escalation of violence. Garda Public Order Units were dispatched to the scene and put up barriers blocking the protestors from nearing the gates of Leinster House.
Later, as both groups dispersed from Leinster House, many anti-immigration protesters returned to O’Connell Bridge where they began a sit-down demonstration.
Gardaí were forced to close O’Connell Bridge, O’Connell Street, Bachelor’s Walk, and other areas across the quays to traffic, causing a cascade of delays throughout the city centre for cars and public transportation.
Green Line Luas services between Dominick and Stephen’s Green were halted. Bus services also experienced significant delays as the protests blocked routes throughout city centre.
During the demonstration, tensions rose between Gardaí and anti-immigration protestors, with at least 19 arrests made. No injuries were reported.
In a statement, An Garda Síochána said they asked protestors to “disperse from the area within the hour” and “engaged” with them but were forced to make arrests after uncooperation.
They also said they had prior knowledge of the protest and implemented a “comprehensive policing operation” coordinated by the Chief Superintendent.
Garda Public Order Units and Uniform Gardaí remain vigilant in the city centre.
Investigations are ongoing.
Yesterday’s protest comes after an increase in far-right activity in Ireland, like the November 2023 Dublin Riot and several anti-immigration protests occurring in Coolock throughout the past year.
