News | International
24 Oct 2025 8:05
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > International

    Why have protesters clashed with police in Dublin?

    The head of the Irish police service condemns what he has called "thuggery" by "a mob intent on violence".


    Stones, bottles and fireworks have been thrown at Irish police for two consecutive nights.

    Protests have been taking place outside a hotel in Dublin housing asylum seekers.

    Here is what you need to know.

    What prompted the unrest in Dublin?

    Large crowds of demonstrators gathered outside the CityWest Hotel in Saggart on the fringes of Dublin.

    The protest followed the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl near the building in the early hours of Monday morning.

    The demonstration on Monday passed without significant incident but turned violent on Tuesday night when a large group hurled bricks, fireworks and glass bottles at police.

    A police van was also set on fire.

    Some protesters carried placards with anti-immigrant slogans, and shouts of "get them out" could be heard.

    On Wednesday night, a large crowd of protesters and police faced off again.

    Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said a man had been arrested and appeared in court over the alleged sexual assault.

    "Unfortunately, the weaponising of a crime by people who wish to sow dissent in our society is not unexpected," he said.

    "Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. Violence is not."

    How have police responded to the Dublin riots?

    Officers used pepper spray and water cannons to disperse the crowds on Tuesday evening.

    Six people were arrested.

    One police officer was treated for a foot injury.

    Police Commissioner Justin Kelly condemned what he called "thuggery" by "a mob intent on violence."

    Prime Minister Micheál Martin said there was "no justification" for the disorder.

    Unrest follows Northern Ireland and Britain protests

    Hotels housing asylum-seekers have attracted protests in Ireland, as well as in neighbouring Northern Ireland and Britain, often spurred by reports of crimes committed by residents and stoked by anti-immigration and far-right campaigners.

    In November 2023, hundreds of anti-immigrant protesters looted shops, set fire to vehicles and threw rocks at police officers in central Dublin after three young children were stabbed outside a school.

    AP/Reuters.


    ABC




    © 2025 ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved

     Other International News
     24 Oct: Donald Trump's trade moves with China put South-East Asian countries in the crossfire
     24 Oct: Chinese Communist Party body replaces 11 members amid corruption purge
     24 Oct: Former British soldier found not guilty of 1972 Bloody Sunday murder charges
     23 Oct: Ways to reduce pollen and dust at home this allergy and hayfever season
     23 Oct: Funky animal hairdos and a smoking duck among 2025 Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards finalists
     23 Oct: What a film reviewer who is also a twin thinks of Twinless
     23 Oct: Australia wins double bronze at UCI Track World Championships, team pursuit men to race for gold
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland is keen to stay in the coaching game but doesn't have a role on the horizon More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Another business has been handed a hefty fine for cartel conduct More...



     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Some of Gene Hackman's possessions are going under the hammer - including his Golden Globes 8:00

    International:
    Donald Trump's trade moves with China put South-East Asian countries in the crossfire 7:57

    Rugby League:
    Warriors boss Cameron George has welcomed the retention of halfback Luke Metcalf 7:57

    Cricket:
    To the women's cricket World Cup... New Zealand are out of contention with a game to play at the tournament after losing to India by 53 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis Method 7:47

    Business:
    Another business has been handed a hefty fine for cartel conduct 7:47

    Accident and Emergency:
    One person's died after a single vehicle crash near Ashburton 7:37

    Entertainment:
    Sophie Ellis-Bextor was convinced to let Murder on the Dancefloor be used in the final scene of Saltburn when she discovered Barry Keoghan would be dancing naked to her hit single 7:30

    Business:
    The proposed sale of Fonterra's Anchor and Mainland brands could unlock around 4.5 billion dollars in spending 7:27

    Motoring:
    Movement around some parts of the South Island remains limited, with several highways closed due to the weather 7:27

    Business:
    Chinese Communist Party body replaces 11 members amid corruption purge 7:27


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd