Issue Date: 25th April 2024
This evening Gardaí on duty outside a premises in Newtownmountkennedy came under attack by persons gathered at the location.
This incident has developed as a result of workers, contracted to carry out lawful employment on the site, entering the site.
A number of trespassers were also identified on and removed from the site last night.
Uniform Gardaí have been subject of both verbal and physical abuse throughout the day, which escalated into rocks and other missiles being thrown this evening. Fires have been lit and an axe has been recovered by Gardaí during this evenings incident.
As the situation has intensified, members of An Garda Síochána used force to defend themselves as part of an escalated response to the situation. Assistance was provided by members of An Garda Síochána Public Order Unit and approximately 50 members of An Garda Síochána remain at the scene this evening. The use of force included the use of Incapacitant spray and deployment of Public Order Gardaí in Public Order helmets and shields.
3 Garda Patrol cars have been damaged during tonight’s incident, including broken windows and slashed tyres.
6 persons have been arrested, at this time, for alleged offences under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 and are currently detained at Garda stations in Wicklow.
An Garda Síochána is not aware, at this time, of any persons injured during this incident.
Persons gathered at the entrance of the site have been moved away from the entrance but remain gathered in the area.
An Garda Síochána respects the right for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights; this right does not extend to breaches of Criminal Law, the interference with the rights of other citizens to carry out their daily activities, or to attack members of An Garda Síochána.
Any Garda activity in relation to evolving events involves a graduated policing response taking into account relevant legislation and public safety, with enforcement as a last resort.
An Garda Síochána is also aware of misinformation and disinformation being spread in relation to this ongoing incident.
An Garda Síochána has no further information tonight on this ongoing situation.
A Garda spokesperson is not available at this time.
