Gardai respond to public order incident at site reportedly set to house refugees in Wicklow

Gardaí have been rushed to the scene of a public order incident in the Wicklow town on Newtownmountkennedy on Thursday night at a site reportedly earmarked to house refugees.

River Lodge, which was the subject of an arson attack two weeks ago, has been the scene of multiple anti-refugee protests over the last few months since it emerged the site could potentially be used to house dozens of International Protection applicants.

In footage seen by the Irish Mirror, dozens of reported protesters, many of whom had their faces covered or hoods up, can be seen shouting outside of a gate at the site, with gardaí stationed on the other side.

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The protestors continue to shout and pull at temporary fencing and attempt to scale the railings, with a pallet bonfire seen burning in the background.

Several Public Order Units are also reported to be on the scene with riot shields with damage reportedly being done to garda squad cars.

Another video shows officers dressed in riot gear moving protestors back as they are hit with debris while shouts of “Hold the line” can be heard as pepper spray is seen to be deployed by gardaí.

A garda spokesperson confirmed the incident: “Gardaí are currently attending a public order incident in Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow. As this is an ongoing incident no further information is available.”

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