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LATEST: Former Justice Minister Believes Garda Response To Roscrea Protest Was Appropriate

Tuesday, 16 January 2024 08:54

Scuffles broke out between Gardaí and protestors in Roscrea last night.

The Integration Minister says it's never acceptable for protesters to block asylum seekers from accessing accommodation centres, following demonstrations in Roscrea.

Scuffles broke out between Gardaí and protesters outside Racket Hall Hotel yesterday, as 17 asylum seekers arrived at the centre.

Locals claim there was no engagement from the Government regarding moving international protection applicants into the hotel.

Integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman says people have a right to protest, but added it can be carried out in a way which doesn't impact those moving in:

Sending members of the Garda Public Order Unit to a protest in Roscrea was a "step too far," according to a local councillor.

During the operation, a man was arrested under the Public Order act, but he's since been released.

Independent Councillor Shane Lee says the situation could have been handled differently:

Sarah is one of the locals criticising how Gardaí handled the situation at the hotel yesterday: 

Locals say Gardaí took a heavy handed approach, but Minister Simon Harris says he believes the response was appropriate: 

 

Read More: "Enough Is Enough" - Protests Set To Continue At Roscrea Hotel

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