Multiple arrests expected after Newtownmountkennedy protests over asylum-seekers

Gardai near the site in Newtownmountkennedy last week. Photo: Collins

Ken Foy

A large number of arrests are expected in relation to last week’s violent protests at a building that now houses 60 asylum-­seekers in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow.

The investigation into the incidents and associated activities across the country is considered “policing priority number one”, garda sources said.

A senior officer in the Eastern Region, who holds the rank of superintendent, has been app­ointed to oversee the investigation, which involves studying hundreds of hours of social media and CCTV footage.

Four people have been charged following the public disorder incident, but sources said the “real instigators” of the violence are yet to be brought before the courts.

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“These are individuals that travelled sometimes in taxis from locations in Dublin such as Tallaght, Coolock and Clondalkin. They incited local people, many of whom were genuine protesters in this matter,” a source said.

“This case is for now being run at a local level, but it is envisaged that the expertise of the Special Detective Unit may be required in due course.”

It is understood the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) is also monitoring what happened in Co Wicklow last week.

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At least two Dublin-­based individuals with alleged links to the far right have already been identified, while tensions remain high in the Co Wicklow town.

Apart from a large-scale public-­order deployment, the Irish Independent can reveal that the number of regular gardaí deployed in Newtownmountkennedy has been doubled from two to four, with plans for another four officers in the coming weeks.

“This is all about making the public safe – a policing plan is in place in respect of all parts of this situation,” a source said.

The latest development comes after asylum-seekers who had been living in small flimsy tents on Mount Street in Dublin city were moved to more secure tented accommodation at Citywest and Crooksling.

Some of the asylum-seekers who had been at Crooksling are now at River Lodge, also known as Trudder House, in Newtownmountkennedy.

There is accommodation at the property for up to 40 more people, and community gardaí on the ground are attempting to reassure local residents on the matter.