By M10News Crime Desk | October 21, 2025
Irish police officers came under attack from fireworks, bottles and other projectiles during violent clashes outside the Citywest Hotel in Saggart, Dublin, on Tuesday evening.
The hotel, which is being used to accommodate asylum seekers, became the site of large-scale unrest that saw a Garda vehicle set on fire and riot units deployed to contain the situation.
According to RTÉ, several thousand protesters gathered outside the premises before the demonstration turned violent.
Understanding the Causes of the Protest
Gardaí formed a defensive line to prevent the crowd from reaching the hotel, while a water cannon was brought to the scene as a precaution, though it was not used.
In a statement late Tuesday night, Taoiseach Micheál Martin condemned the attacks on Gardaí, calling them “vile and unacceptable.”
“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.
“I pay tribute to the frontline Gardaí who acted courageously and quickly to restore order.”
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan also denounced the violence, warning that those involved will face prosecution.
“This is unacceptable and will result in a forceful response from the Gardaí. Those responsible will be brought to justice,” he said.
“It is clear this violence does not reflect the people of Saggart — they are the ones sitting at home in fear of it.”
Garda sources confirmed that an investigation is underway into the arson attack on the patrol car and other incidents of criminal damage.
No fatalities were reported, though several officers sustained minor injuries during the clashes.
Speaking during the final Irish presidential debate on Tuesday evening, Heather Humphreys described the scenes as “absolutely awful,” adding that such actions “do not represent what we are as a country.”
Her fellow candidate Catherine Connolly called the violence “very upsetting,” warning that Ireland must “be careful about the divisions emerging.”
Gardaí have since cleared the area and remain on high alert amid concerns of further unrest. The Citywest facility continues to operate as a reception centre for international protection applicants.
Editing by M10News Crime Desk | Contact: crime@m10news.com
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