Dublin anti-lockdown protest: Garda rushed to hospital and 23 arrested on day of shame in Dublin after anti-lockdown clashes (Irlande)
Violent brawls erupted on the streets of the capital after protesters thronged the city flouting COVID-19 restrictions
BySam RobertsAlex Dunne source : DublinLive
- 18:20, 27 FEB 2021UPDATED19:20, 27 FEB 2021
A Garda has been rushed to hospital and 23 people have been arrested after an anti-lockdown protest in Dublin city centre.
Violent brawls erupted on the streets of the capital after protesters thronged the city flouting COVID-19 restrictions.
Three gardai were injured in the clashes - including one that has been brought to hospital - Dublin Live can confirm.
Officers were forced to shut off Stephen's Green in a bid to block demonstrators from entering the park after it emerged that a large anti-lockdown protest had been planned for the day.
As a result huge crowds formed on Grafton Street where a major policing operation was under way to keep the protesters at bay.
Video footage showed crowds swarming Grafton Street, many of whom were not wearing masks or social distancing, with Gardai stationed along with a canine unit at the top of the street near Stephen's Green.
Tense scenes began to emerge as protesters neared Gardai who had formed a blockade at the top of iconic street.
Video footage showed one person in the crowd walk right up to Gardai and shoot a firework point blank directly at officers patrolling the area.
A number of violent brawls quickly broke out as Gardai moved to disperse the crowds which could be seen running in the opposite direction following the violent assault on officers.
And Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said he was "horrified" by the scenes in the capital.
He wrote on Twitter: "Horrified to see this on our streets. Irish people have spent last year fighting Covid. There is no excuse for violence to Gardaí or anyone. This behaviour on Grafton St by a selfish few undermines sacrifices that millions have made in the last 12 months."
Luas operator Transdev said the Green Line services would not be stopping at St Stephen's Green during the afternoon as a result of the protes. Essential workers were told they may experience disruption or diversions to their travel route.
Fireworks, flares and bottles were all hurled at Gardai amid the vicious clashes with the Covid rule breakers.
Senior Garda sources told Dublin Live: ”These are serious right-wing extremists who are behind this.
“They are a well organised network willing to use violent means to achieve their aims.
“The organisers are a threat to the very institutions of this state.
“They have made threats online - they have the capacity to carry out their threats.
“They are well organised and pose a real and serious threat.”
The violent protest was brought under control by Gardai under the direction of Supt Joe Gannon who is in charge of policing in Dublin city centre.
The Justice Minister has confirmed that special court sittings will be arranged to prosecute today's lockdown protesters swiftly as the Taoiseach slammed the "thuggish behaviour" witnessed on Dublin's streets.
Helen McEntee confirmed the news as she praised the "courage and professionalism" of the Gardai who brought the scary scenes under control.
A well-organised right-wing group who are "willing to use violence" were behind the protests that saw fireworks thrown at frontline Gardai. according to Garda sources.
Gardai battled with crowds and a number of people appeared to have been arrested during the protest that took place in Dublin city centre.
St Stephen's Green park was shut by the OPW due to a Garda order, along with the Iveagh Gardens, ahead of the 2pm protest against lockdown restrictions.
And as crowds gathered, the situation quickly became tense as those at the front of the gathering began to clash with Gardai.
Barriers that had been erected on Grafton Street were pulled by the protesters, leading to scuffles with Gardai as crowds chanted "shame on you" at the Irish police and others urged those in attendance to be peaceful.
The situation on Grafton Street then descended into chaos as a firework was fired at Gardai, leading to the crowd being pushed back and dispersed by the public order unit.
“I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner this evening and he has told me the disturbance in Dublin is being brought under control,” Ms McEntee said this evening.
“I know there have been a number of arrests already today and a special court sitting is being arranged to make sure these law-breakers are prosecuted speedily. I understand fixed charge notices have also been issued to a number of people.
“I want to commend the courage and professionalism of the Gardaí on duty today in Dublin who responded with great control and discipline in an extremely challenging situation.
“This situation was completely unacceptable and was an insult to so many who have worked so hard in the fight against COVID-19 and to those who have died.
“This mindless thuggery showed a wilful and blatant disregard for the public health rules which are needed to help us all and keep us safe.”
Protesters carried a banner calling for the "Right to Freedom" and chanted to "end the lockdown".
The Taoiseach also slammed the protests, calling out the "thuggish behaviour" of some in the face of Gardai.
Micheal Martin said: "I utterly condemn the protests in Dublin city-centre today, which posed an unacceptable risk to both the public and Gardaí.
"The large gathering, in the face of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, showed a complete lack of respect to the people who have made huge sacrifices during this pandemic.
"Nor can we tolerate the thuggish behaviour or attacks on gardaí, who have the public’s utmost respect as they continue to protect and serve our society in difficult circumstances.
"There can be no justification for the march or the violence that unfolded, and I pay tribute to members of An Garda Síochána who moved quickly to make arrests and restore order."
Dublin TD Neale Richmond slammed the "shocking scenes" and shared a pic of the firework being fired at gardai.
He said: “It was disgraceful to see this protest descend into viol
“Some of the eye witness footage circulating is extremely disturbing and every public representative should condemn these awful scenes.
“The footage appears to show a lit firework being thrown at members of the gardai by one protester, which is truly shameful.
“These brave men and women risk their lives every day in the service of the people of our State and what they were subjected to today is utterly appalling.
“Those who organised this protest need to be held account for their actions.
“At a time of a global pandemic with so many people working tirelessly to suppress this awful and deadly disease, these antics were reprehensible.
“These self-styled patriots are a clear threat to the wellbeing of our nation. All these COVID protesters have done is bring shame to our capital’s streets.“
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