Hundreds of anti-immigration protesters gathered in Dublin city center on Thursday afternoon, leading to a series of demonstrations and confrontations that resulted in significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. The events began around 2pm at the GPO on O’Connell Street, where a large group assembled for the start of the anti-immigration demonstration. Participants carried Irish tricolours, “Erin Go Bragh” banners and flags displaying the slogan “You’ll Never Beat the Irish.” The group broke out in chants of “Irish Lives Matter”, “Whose streets? Our streets” and “Get them out, get them out”.
The protesters then marched through Dublin city towards the Dáil, the Irish parliament building. A group of anti-racism activists had assembled at the bottom of Grafton Street, and there were tense scenes as the rival groups passed by, with a line of gardaí creating a human chain between them. The anti-immigration protesters continued towards the Dáil and assembled halfway down Molesworth Street facing Leinster House, with Garda barriers preventing them from getting close to the gates of the parliament building.
More than a hundred anti-racism counter-demonstrators relocated close by, at the junction of Dawson Street and Molesworth Street. Participants were loudly chanting “far-right loyalists, get off our streets”. Dozens of gardaí were in the area between the demonstrations to ensure rival protesters were kept apart, with Garda Public Order Units deployed to the scene.
The two groups dispersed from the area around the Dáil shortly afterwards, setting off separately in the direction of O’Connell Street. The anti-racism march made its way over O’Connell Bridge and up O’Connell Street shortly before the anti-immigration activists gathered and commenced their sit-down demonstration. The bridge was blocked, causing significant traffic disruptions across the city center.
The sit-down protest on O’Connell Bridge turned confrontational as several protesters confronted and verbally abused the attending gardaí. Garda Public Order Units eventually mounted an operation to clear the thoroughfare, forcibly removing several protesters from the bridge. The protesters were placed in Garda vans amid angry scenes. Hundreds of members of the public gathered to watch as the dispersal operation was mounted.
The bridge has now been cleared of protesters, who have moved further up O’Connell Street. The Garda Public Order Unit is currently monitoring the situation, and O’Connell Street remains closed to traffic. The Luas Green Line is also disrupted, with no service between Dominick and St Stephen’s Green.
The events in Dublin underscore the growing tensions surrounding immigration in Ireland. The anti-immigration protests, which were organized by local groups opposed to the housing of international protection applicants (IPAs) in their communities, highlight a complex and sensitive issue that continues to divide Irish society. The presence of counter-protesters, organized by groups that promote anti-racism and inclusivity, demonstrates the strong opposition to the views expressed by the anti-immigration protesters.
The Gardaí have a challenging task in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all involved in these protests. The events of Thursday also serve as a reminder of the importance of open dialogue and respectful engagement in addressing the complex challenges related to immigration and integration in Ireland.
