In the aftermath of confrontations between police and demonstrators at a property in Newtownmountkennedy, Justice Minister, Helen McEntee, stipulated that while individuals have the freedom to protest, they do not have the liberty to hinder lawful activity on privately owned premises. The aforementioned conflict occurred at Trudder House where police had to remain overnight following the arrest of six individuals who were opposing the proposed plan to house foreign protection applicants at that venue.
During a Friday morning conversation on Newstalk, McEntee reiterated the importance of respecting the rights of individuals to peaceful protest, but clarified that it should not disrupt others’ access to their property, obstruct individuals from working or interfere with site development. In response to hostilities towards the police while performing their duties, she respected their judgement in handling the situation and responding appropriately.
Conversely, the protestors have criticised the police for their aggressive approach in ensuring workers could gain access to the Newtownmountkennedy property, which the Department of Integration is contemplating using for the placement of twenty, eight-person tents. They alleged that the situation was shameful, accusing the government of exploiting the Newtown residents by forcing an immensely unpopular immigration policy upon them. The protestors described the behaviour of the police as characteristic of a “police state”.
However, An Garda Síochána, in a comprehensive statement released on Thursday night, accused the protestors of subjecting them to both verbal and physical abuse. The police cited incidents of rock-throwing and reported damage to three police cars, including slashed tires and broken windows. They also discovered an axe on site and had to extinguish several fires. Of the six individuals arrested, inclusive of four males, a woman and a minor, were reportedly detained overnight. On Friday morning, the force did not verify whether charges would be pressed against them but promised a forthcoming update.
The alleged offenders were apprehended under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, and were subsequently transported to jails within Wicklow. The force revealed in a statement that roughly 50 police officers, inclusive of the public order unit members, were present at the particular site on Thursday evening. As the situation amplified, the members of An Garda Síochána had to utilise strength to protect themselves, signifying a step-up in response to the predicament.
The administration of force comprised the execution of incapacitating spray and the mobilisation of public order police officers with protective helmets and shields. The Garda respects the lawful rights of citizens, however, this does not cover transgressions of the criminal law, nor does it include disruptions to other citizens going about their daily routines or assaults on Garda members. The force insists that any actions relating to the evolving situation requires a step-by-step police response, considering the relevant laws and the public’s safety, resorting to enforcement as a last-case scenario.
Misinformation regarding the on-going incident is being spread, the Garda is cognizant of it. Videos of the skirmishes are circulating online. Journalist Fatima Gunning from Gript media claimed that she was subjected to pepper spray despite identifying herself as press coverage.
The demonstrators criticised the site workers who wore balaclavas. Twenty 8-person tents were planned to be situated at Trudder House, a site which has seen ongoing protests since it first publicly announced as a potential accommodation site, about six weeks prior. A fire had to be controlled by the fire services early on the morning of April 14th at the same site.
Protesters have asserted that the site is not suitable to accommodate more than 150 people, pointing out the town’s already strained resources and the building’s restriction, under a particular trust, to be used solely for health or educational purposes. It was previously used as a school and a Health Service Executive (HSE) facility. A meeting between local complainants, the developers, and the Garda officers was to be arranged for the following Monday.
A representative for the Taoiseach publicly declared, “The Taoiseach deplores the assaults on An Garda Síochána that took place last night. These officers are entrusted with enforcing our nation’s laws, and they should be backed in this task. Ireland is a nation governed by laws, and every assault on our officers should receive universal condemnation.”