Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has condemned rioting scenes unfolding at the Citywest asylum hub in Saggart, dubbing them “unacceptable,” and saying there is no link between IPAS centres and crime levels in communities.
The Irish Mirror reported this week that Gardaí are investigating the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl on the grounds of the Citywest Hotel, which is being used to house asylum seekers. The child, who is under Tusla care but was not staying at the hotel, is receiving medical and specialist support.
An adult male asylum seeker from Africa has been charged in connection with the incident and questioned by Gardaí, with an Arabic interpreter and legal aid provided. The Irish Times adds that the accused arrived in Ireland six years ago, was refused international protection in 2024, and has been subject to a deportation order since March. A full criminal investigation is under way.
RIOTERS “WILL BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE”
In the wake of the incident, thousands of protesters have descended on the hotel, with the scene descending into rioting, with glass bottles and fireworks being launched at Gardaí and police vehicles being set ablaze. Riot police reportedly deployed pepper spray and riot shields against rioters.
Reacting to the fiery scenes, the Fianna Fáil Justice Minister said that those involved “will be brought to justice.”
“The scenes of public disorder we have witnessed at Citywest tonight must be condemned,” O’Callaghan said.
“People threw missiles at Gardaí, threw fireworks at them, and set a Garda vehicle on fire. This is unacceptable and will result in a forceful response from the Gardaí.”
“THE WEAPONISING OF A CRIME BY PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SOW DISSENT”
He said that there was no ongoing threat to public safety in the local area, and that the suspect in the alleged sexual assault case was charged before the courts.
“Unfortunately, the weaponising of a crime by people who wish to sow dissent in our society is not unexpected,” he said.
“The Gardaí are prepared for this, but attacking Gardaí and property is not an answer, and won’t help to make anyone feel safe.
“ATTACKS ON GARDAÍ WILL NOT BE TOLERATED”
“It is clear to me from talking to colleagues during the day and this evening that this violence does not reflect the people of Saggart. They are not the people participating in this criminality, but rather the people sitting at home in fear of it.
“Attacks on Gardaí will not be tolerated. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. Violence is not. There is no excuse for the scenes we have witnessed tonight.”
In an earlier statement shortly before the rioting began, the Minister said that “our first concern is with the safety and wellbeing of the young girl involved, and my colleague Minister Norma Foley has been working to ensure she is provided with every available support.”
“NO CORRELATION” BETWEEN CRIME LEVELS AND IPAS CENTRES
He went on to claim that there is “no correlation” between crime levels and IPAS centres.
“I have been advised that there is no ongoing threat to public safety in the area,” he said.
“Also, An Garda Síochána has informed me that there is no correlation between the location of IPAS centres and crime levels in a community.”
“Since taking office I have sought to operate a robust and rules-based immigration processing and enforcement system.”
CITYWEST PAST CONTROVERSIES
The Citywest site has been the subject of controversy since the Government planned to purchase it outright to turn it into a permanent asylum hub. In May of this year, concerned locals expressed fears about safety in the area, with locals saying they don’t leave their house after 6:00 p.m. out of fear.
Despite these concerns, the Government proceeded with the purchase plans anyway, buying it out for €148 million.