Protest Erupts In Dublin Outside Hotel Housing Asylum Seekers

Last Updated:October 22, 2025, 05:14 IST

Gardaí arrested six after violent protests outside a Dublin hotel housing asylum seekers. Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan condemned attacks on police

The Dublin Police in Ireland (Photo: AP)

The Irish police on Tuesday arrested six people after they were attacked with bricks, fireworks and glass bottles outside a hotel in Dublin that was being used to house asylum seekers.

BBC quoted Gardaí (Irish police) as saying that protesters attempted to breach the police cordon by charging the line with horse-drawn sulkies (carts). They reportedly carried garden forks and tools, while others damaged walls to get missiles. The police helicopter was also targeted with lasers and an officer even received an injury during the protest.

According to The Guardian, the disturbances flared a day after a man was charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault. A 26-year-old asylum seeker had allegedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old at or near the Citywest facility, which is in south-west Dublin.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said: “The actions can only be described as thuggery. This was a mob intent on violence against gardaí."

“I utterly condemn the attacks on gardaí who did their jobs professionally and with great courage to keep people safe," he said.

According to RTE, the protesters – some of whom waved Irish flags and held anti-immigrant placards – numbered up to 2,000 people.

Meanwhile, Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin condemned the attacks on police and said: “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."

“I pay tribute to the frontline gardaí (Irish police) who acted courageously and quickly to restore order," he added.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan also slammed the attacks on police. “This is unacceptable and will result in a forceful response from the gardaí. Those involved will be brought to justice," he said.

“It is clear to me from talking to colleagues that this violence does not reflect the people of Saggart. They are not the people participating in this criminality, but rather the people sitting at home in fear of it," he added.

News world Protest Erupts In Dublin Outside Hotel Housing Asylum Seekers

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