Six arrested after 'gardaí came under attack' at protest over asylum seeker accommodation in Wicklow

Six arrested after ‘gardaí came under attack’ at protest over asylum seeker accommodation in Wicklow

Six people have been arrested after gardaí say they came under attack while attending the scene of a fire at a disused property in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow.

The site has been mooted as a possible accommodation site for international protection applicants.

Protests have been ongoing at the site at River Lodge, also known as Trudder House, in Newtownmountkennedy in recent weeks following confirmation that the Department of Integration was assessing its grounds for the housing of up to 160 people.

A number of people gathered at the location yesterday and the situation intensified during the evening.

A Garda spokesperson said officers “came under attack” in an incident which they said developed as a result of workers, contracted to carry out lawful employment on the site, entering the site.

According to the statement, uniform gardaí were subjected to verbal and physical abuse throughout the day then escalated when rocks and other missiles were thrown.

Fires were lit and an axe was recovered during the incident.

“Members of An Garda Síochána used force to defend themselves as part of an escalated response to the situation,” a spokesperson said.

Members of the Public Order Unit in helmets and shields provided assistance and the use of incapacitant spray was used. There were approximately 50 Gardaí on the scene late last night.

Trespassers were identified and removed from the site.

Three patrol cars were damaged including broken windows and slashed tyres. There were no reports of any injuries.

Six people were arrested for alleged offences under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 and are currently detained at garda stations in Wicklow.

Those gathered at the entrance to the site were moved but remained gathered in the area.

Gardaí warned of misinformation and disinformation circulating in relation to last night’s events which developed as a result of workers attempting to carry out work on the site.

A statement released on Thursday night criticised protesters who attacked gardaí.

“An Garda Síochána respects the right for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights; this right does not extend to breaches of Criminal Law, the interference with the rights of other citizens to carry out their daily activities, or to attack members of An Garda Síochána,” it said.

“Any Garda activity in relation to evolving events involves a graduated policing response taking into account relevant legislation and public safety, with enforcement as a last resort.”

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