Taoiseach and Gardaí condemn the violent protest in Newtownmountkennedy, calling the behaviour “reprehensible” and reaffirming commitment to law enforcement

In a stark condemnation of recent events, Taoiseach Simon Harris has labelled the violent protests at a Co Wicklow site, designated for asylum seekers, as “utterly unacceptable and reprehensible.” The disturbances occurred in Newtownmountkennedy where Gardaí faced severe aggression, marking a significant escalation in protests against the housing of international protection applicants.

The protests, which took place on Thursday evening, descended into chaos as Gardaí were assaulted with stones and other objects. The intensity of the violence necessitated a robust response from law enforcement, including the deployment of the Garda Public Order Unit and the use of pepper spray to manage the crowd.

During the unrest, several Garda vehicles were damaged, including one patrol car which was notably attacked with a full-sized axe, resulting in smashed windows. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, who personally visited the site the following day, described the scenes as “very unacceptable,” emphasizing that such violent acts against law enforcement personnel are disgraceful and will not be tolerated.

The incident led to six arrests, with four individuals charged with public order offences and appearing in court on Friday. The remaining arrests included another adult male and a juvenile, with the latter being released without charge but referred to the Youth Diversion Project.

Both Taoiseach Harris and Garda Commissioner Harris have reiterated that lawful protest is a legitimate democratic expression but must never escalate to violence or destruction of property. The Taoiseach stressed the importance of upholding the law, stating that such violent protests would not deter government plans or influence policies concerning asylum seekers.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee also supported the actions of the Gardaí, affirming that the force’s response was necessary given the circumstances. The government remains committed to addressing Ireland’s humanitarian obligations responsibly and insists that violent disruptions will not affect its resolve to manage asylum procedures effectively.

This incident has ignited significant discussion regarding the balance between community concerns and the rights of international protection applicants, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced in managing asylum issues within local communities