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Police arrested several people after hundreds of anti-blockade protesters gathered in Dublin.
About 20 people were arrested by Gardai in the center of the Irish capital on Saturday after a demonstration against the blockade began around 2 pm.
Officers were forced to draw their batons after a protester threw fireworks at the police.
The protesters, who were not wearing masks and carrying anti-lock banners, tried to gather in St Stephen’s Green park, but authorities closed the gates.
Sky News Ireland Correspondent Stephen Murphy said there were no reports of serious injuries and a “handful” of public order arrests were made.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said up to 20 people were arrested during the protest.
“Unfortunately, people arrived with the intention of violence. They participated in attacks against members of An Garda Siochana, including the launching of a fireworks-like device.
“They had no reasonable reason to be there in the first place, so we will particularly go after those who formed a very difficult nucleus to deal with.
“We will continue an investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Officers hold a protester to the ground
A man is arrested during demonstrations in Dublin
Simon Harris, Irish Minister for Higher and Further Education, condemned the protest.
He tweeted: “Pure slaughter in the streets of Dublin today. It is not a ‘protest’. It is an attack on our national effort.
“The abuse directed at the Gardai is disgusting and shameful. Shameful. Thoughts with the Gardai and their families.”
Officers were forced to draw their truncheons
Ireland is in its ninth week of national level 5 coronavirus restrictions.
Nationwide, 373,280 COVID-19 have been hit – compared to 19.6 million in the UK.
On Friday, 29 new COVID-related deaths were reported along with 776 new cases.
In the UK there were 345 more deaths and 8,523 new infections on Friday.
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