Issue Date: 19th September 2024
In advance of planned protests, An Garda Síochána had a comprehensive policing operation in place at several locations in Dublin City Centre today, Thursday, 19th September 2024.
From early morning, 100 uniform Gardaí were on-duty to facilitate protests including one that was led from O’Connell St, Dublin 1 to Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, and one at Grafton St, Dublin 2. This operation was coordinated from a central Garda Control Room and led by a Chief Superintendent.
In the course of the protests, Gardaí were required to respond to a number of public order incidents including one that occurred at Grafton Street, Dublin 2 at approximately 2:30pm.
In order to ensure the safety of all protestors and the general public, Gardaí implemented a graduated policing response taking into account relevant legislation with enforcement as a last resort.
Throughout the day, Gardaí engaged with protestors and directions were given to those that had gathered at O’Connell Bridge to disperse from the area within the hour.
This direction was not adhered to and two Garda Public Order Units were subsequently deployed.
A total of 19 arrests were made as part of today’s operation – no further information is available at this time.
An Garda Síochána is not aware of any injuries at this time.
O’Connell Bridge and surrounding roads are open and traffic is now moving.
Uniform Gardaí and Garda Public Order Units will remain on proactive patrol in Dublin City Centre for the remainder of this evening.
Investigations are ongoing.
