Eleven anti-blockade protesters arrested in central Dublin

Updated 41 minutes ago

Eleven people have been arrested after an anti-blockade demonstration in Dublin city center in which protesters clashed with Gardaí.

Anti-blockade protesters gathered at O’Connell Bridge around 2pm today.

Videos from the scene showed what appeared to be dozens of people gathering on O’Connell Street, where speeches were made about the Covid-19 restrictions.

A separate video, taken near Dublin Port, showed a crowd of more than 100 people, some sitting on the ground, others standing, apparently blocking the passage of two trucks.

People in the crowd can be seen chanting and waving tricolor flags, while Gardaí can be seen monitoring the protest to one side.

Signs were posted that read “No forced vaccinations” and “End the lockdown.”

The protesters moved to Grafton Street later this afternoon, with Gardaí following them on bicycles and cars.

Videos and photographs of the scene show some protesters and Gardaí clashing, with batons being used by some members of the Garda.

A Garda spokesman said a Garda operation had been in place since early afternoon when protesters gathered at O’Connell Bridge and then moved to East Wall Road and Grafton Street.

“Members of the Garda Public Order Unit fanned out in ‘soft cap’ mode at the protest in support of uniformed colleagues, in support of graduated police response.”

“Gardaí engaged with protesters on several occasions using a gradual police response during which Garda members engage, explain, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce.

“On several occasions, protesters were informed that they were violating Public Health Regulations and asked to disperse.”

Shortly after 5 p.m., when the crowd began to disperse, a small group began to get involved in incidents of public disorder on Grafton Street.

Eleven people were arrested for public order offenses after Gardaí “was forced to intervene” after several incidents in the area.

No injuries were reported and the rest of the group dispersed from the area without serious incident.

The 11 people arrested are currently being held at Garda stations in Dublin, and an investigation is now underway targeting the organizers of this protest.

Gardaí is seeking the advice of the Director of the Public Ministry regarding whether further action will be taken.

Ongoing protests caused traffic problems at various locations in the city this afternoon and tonight, including on Kildare Street, which was closed for a time, leading to delays on some city center bus routes.