A second individual has been detained due to offences related to public order linked to a Garda vehicle’s tyres being cut amid demonstrations at a Clonmel location designated to house Ukrainians receiving temporary protection.
The male is currently under Garda interrogation regarding the supposed incident that occurred on the previous Tuesday, when construction personnel commenced building modular houses for the refugees. Following the event, Garda, in a statement, reported that a man was taken into custody under the Public Order Act at Clonmel’s Heywood Road just past 11pm on the subsequent Wednesday. The individual was transferred to a Garda station in the Tipperary division and has been subsequently charged.
The anticipated plan is to install a maximum of 82 modular homes on the Heywood Road site in the town to provide accommodation for Ukrainian refugees. Nevertheless, some demonstrators argue that the units will also serve to accommodate International Protection applicants.
Following in the wake of an earlier arrest of another man on Tuesday, who was later charged with assault, public order offences and criminal damage, this most recent arrest has taken place. The man in question has been let out on bail, subject to several stipulations including keeping a distance from Heywood Road and current protests in the area.
Numerous incidents, including the vandalising of a lorry, equipment being set on fire and a security guard admitted to hospital post an alleged assault, have occurred on the site.
Gardaí stated they uphold the “citizens’ right to exercise their constitutional rights, but this does not cover breaches of criminal law or interference with other individuals’ rights to carry out their daily duties or assaults on members of An Garda Síochána”.
Garda involvement in these events includes a measured law enforcement response considering relevant legislation and public safety, with enforcement being the final option.