A Police van has been set on fire during a large protest outside a centre for international protection applicants in Citywest, Dublin.
Up to 2,000 people have gathered at the scene, with tensions running high and chants of ‘get them out’ echoing through the crowd. Protesters are holding signs, waving Irish flags as barriers are thrown as chaos unfolds.
An individual, who appears to be a youth, is hitting a Police van with a hammer, smashing the windscreen into pieces.
Police are preventing the protesters, many with their hoods up and faces covered, from getting to the centre.
More units have been sent to the scene as police are now in full riot gear.
There are currently no reports of arrests or injuries.
Earlier tonight, missiles and fireworks were thrown at the police.
Ireland’s Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said there is “no excuse” for violent scenes in Dublin.
He said: ‘Unfortunately, the weaponising of a crime by people who wish to sow dissent in our society is not unexpected.
‘The gardai are prepared for this, but attacking gardai and property is not an answer, and won’t help to make anyone feel safe.
‘It is clear to me from talking to colleagues during the day and this evening 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.
‘Attacks on gardai will not be tolerated. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. Violence is not.
‘There is no excuse for the scenes we have witnessed tonight.’
