Fireworks launched at gardaí in clash with protesters at Citywest

James Cox

Fireworks were launched at gardaí as a protest at the Citywest Hotel in Saggart, Dublin, turned violent this evening.

Pepper spray has been deployed by gardaí with the Public Order Unit at the scene.

Fireworks have been fired at Garda lines, and there are reports a Garda vehicle has been damaged.

Gardaí with public order equipment, helmets and shields, have pushed back protestors, who have surrounded the Citywest IPAS centre shouting 'get them out'.

The anti-immigration protest comes as Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said there is no ongoing threat to public safety in Saggart and no correlation between crime levels and the presence of asylum seeker accommodation centres.

In a statement tonight, the Minister said he has been briefed on recent events in the area and has asked for a detailed account of the management of the asylum application process in the case.

The protest was organised near where an alleged sexual assault took place.