17 Charged After Second Night of Violent Citywest Protests Against Asylum Seeker Hotel

Seventeen adults have been charged with public order offences following violent protests near the Citywest Hotel in West Dublin, which houses asylum seekers. The unrest, sparked after an alleged sexual assault on a 10-year-old girl, involved 24 arrests including five male juveniles who will be dealt with under the Youth Diversion Programme. During the disturbances, Gardaí faced attacks with fireworks, stones, and other debris, resulting in injuries to three officers, two of whom required hospital treatment. Security operations included the seizure of 15 scooters and e-bikes, deployment of public order units, mounted Gardaí, dog units, and a police helicopter. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly emphasized the commitment to bringing further offenders to justice, while Taoiseach Micheál Martin condemned the violence and attacks on Gardaí as unjustifiable. Authorities have appealed to the public for information and urged community engagement to prevent youth involvement in such disorder.