Clare’s MEP claims the violent scenes at a Dublin accommodation centre this week are an example of “organised thuggery,” not political activism.
A total of 17 people have been charged with public order offences following a second night of clashes at the Citywest accommodation centre.
The protests kicked off at the complex on Monday night after it came to light that a 26-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl near the facility.
The man has since been charged and a criminal investigation has been commenced.
On Tuesday night, approximately 2,000 people gathered at Citywest for a large-scale protest during which missiles and fireworks were hurled at Gardaí, a Luas stop was vandalised and a garda van was set alight.
The hostilities continued on Wednesday night, with bottles, bricks and fireworks thrown at police lines, resulting in three Gardaí sustaining injuries and 24 arrests taking place.
Today, 17 people are due in court in relation to the offences.
Scariff-based Independent MEP Michael McNamara says the Garda response was more effective than what was seen during the Dublin riots of November 2023.
The Government purchased the Citywest Hotel in September for €148 million for the purpose of turning it into a permanent international protection accommodation centre.
The demonstrations outside the facility are the latest in a series of heated protests at IPAS centres nationwide in recent years.
Local opposition to asylum seekers moving into Magowna House Hotel in Inch made headlines in May 2023, while protests were held in Kilrush in September of last year following news that the Central B&B would be housing a number of international protection applicants.
Clare Immigrant Support Network Chairperson Eoin Tynan-O’Mahony insists violent demonstrations at IPAS centres are “never the answer” and only serve to stir up fear among residents.
It’s understood the girl who reported that she had been sexually assaulted was in the care of Tusla when the alleged incident took place, while the man arrested in connection with the alleged incident was subject to a deportation order issued in March.
Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe says the international protection system must protect those fleeing persecution but mustn’t be vulnerable to exploitation.
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