By M10News | Dublin|22 October 2025
The recent protests have raised significant concerns in the community.
A police officer was injured during a night of violent protests outside the Citywest Hotel in Saggart, Dublin, which is being used to accommodate asylum seekers. Six people have been arrested in connection with the unrest.
Demonstrators threw bricks and fireworks at Gardaí, and glass bottles were used as projectiles. A police van was set on fire during the disturbances, which escalated in the evening hours on Tuesday.
These protests have drawn attention from various media outlets.
Gardaí reported that a helicopter was also targeted with lasers, and some protesters were seen carrying garden forks as they confronted law enforcement.
A female Garda sustained injuries during the violence and was treated in hospital. She has since been discharged.
Five men, all aged in their 40s and 50s, have been charged with public order offences following the disorder and are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
The protests have sparked a debate about public safety and order.
A woman in her 50s, who had also been detained, was later released without charge. A file is being prepared for Ireland’s director of public prosecutions.
Commissioner Justin Kelly condemned the protest as a clear act of violence. “This was obviously not a peaceful protest. The actions this evening can only be described as thuggery. This was a mob intent on violence,” he said.
Many observers have noted the intensity of the protests and their impact.
“We will now begin the process of identifying those who committed crimes, and we will bring those involved in this violence to justice,” the commissioner added.
This marked the second consecutive night of demonstrations following an alleged sexual assault in the vicinity of the hotel early on Monday morning.
Experts are analysing the causes behind the recent protests.
During the protests, some participants threw stones and other missiles at police officers who were attempting to move the crowd back. Water cannon units were deployed at the scene but were not used.
A line of Gardaí formed a protective barrier to prevent protesters from reaching the hotel entrance.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin spoke out strongly against the violence, paying tribute to the officers who were on the frontline. “There can be no justification for the vile abuse against them, or the attempted assaults and attacks on members of the force that will shock all right-thinking people,” he said.
The premier added: “I pay tribute to the frontline Gardaí who acted courageously and quickly to restore order.”
The government is closely monitoring the situation following the protests.
Deputy Premier Simon Harris also condemned the events. “There is no excuse for the violent thuggery seen outside the hotel. I condemn the violent attacks on members of An Garda Síochána outside Citywest last night,” he said.
Harris noted the widespread shock and concern across Ireland regarding the alleged incident. “The full facts must and will be established as people rightly expect,” he said.
He emphasised that violence against police officers and others protecting the public is unacceptable. “This type of behaviour has no place in our society,” Harris added.
Citizens have begun to rally for peace following the protests.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan confirmed that those responsible for the disorder would face justice. “The scenes of public disorder we have witnessed at Citywest must be condemned,” he said.
“People threw missiles at Gardaí, threw fireworks at them, and set a Garda vehicle on fire. This is unacceptable and will result in a forceful response from the Gardaí. Those involved will be brought to justice,” the minister added.
The police have increased their presence in response to the protests.
O’Callaghan said a man had been arrested in connection with the alleged assault near the hotel and had already appeared in court.
“While I am not in a position to comment further on this criminal investigation, I have been advised that there is no ongoing threat to public safety in the area,” he said.
The minister underlined that attacks on officers would not be tolerated, reiterating that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of Irish democracy, but violence is not.
“There is no excuse for the scenes we have witnessed,” O’Callaghan added.
Community leaders are calling for calm amid the ongoing protests.
Gardaí continue to review footage and gather evidence to identify additional participants involved in the violence. Investigations remain ongoing, with authorities appealing to the public for any information.
Residents near the Citywest Hotel expressed concern over the escalation, with many saying the violent scenes were alarming and disrupted the local community.
Local media reported that Monday night’s demonstration passed without significant incident, but tensions escalated the following evening as a larger crowd gathered.
The protests come amid heightened public concern following the alleged assault in the area. Authorities have urged calm and patience while investigations proceed.
These protests have highlighted the need for dialogue and understanding.
The Citywest Hotel has previously been a focal point for protests linked to asylum seeker accommodation, but officials emphasised that the majority of residents in Saggart do not condone such violence.
Two years ago, anti-immigrant demonstrators sparked a major riot in central Dublin following a stabbing incident involving children, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding asylum and immigration issues in Ireland.
Gardaí have assured the public that steps will be taken to maintain order, protect residents, and prevent further escalation in the area as the investigation continues.
Editing by M10News Dublin Desk | Contact: dublin@m10news.com
© 2025 M10News. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited
As the protests continue, many are advocating for peaceful resolutions.
