Residents concerned at escalation of trouble

RESIDENTS are concerned about an escalation of trouble following a fight at the Citywest Hotel and convention centre on Monday night, which left three people needing medical treatment.

Gardai responded to a brawl which broke out at the hotel, which is an International Protection Centre, and houses refugees from Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

Viral videos shared on social media show security and gardai attempting the quell the disturbance between groups of men.

A Garda spokesperson said: “At approximately 6:30pm, gardai received reports of a disturbance involving a large group of males. A number of garda units attended and order was restored.

“Two persons were taken to hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. One other person received an injury that did not require further medical treatment. Gardai remained at the scene with a high-visibility presence throughout the evening.”

A Corballly resident said his daughter was using the gym at Citywest Hotel when the trouble kicked off.

“She was looking out the window at all this going on. A couple of weeks ago, my wife, who was using the gym, was leaving and she felt so threatened with all the men hanging around outside, that I told her to stay on the phone until she got to the car,” said the man, who did not wish to give his name.

“There have been previous incidents with people drinking at the cemetery. The people arriving on coaches, and videos of the fight at Citywest, it is all men. We don’t know who they are, and we don’t know what we are getting into the country.”

A spokesperson for Saggart Village Resident Association (SVRA) said they are seeking clarity from local representatives, and additional resources for the safety of people in Citywest Hotel and the wider community.

“We are saddened by the events observed at the Citywest Hotel and convention centre. Many residents are concerned about further issues or escalation,” said the SVRA.

“We are requesting that our local representatives provide clarity on what has happened and what additional resources can be secured, in order to maintain the safety of people staying in Citywest Hotel and convention centre and the residents of Saggart Village.”

Another Citywest resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “Media are not reporting the full story. All politicians support this even though we have not got the resources to cope. I would encourage residents to record and report any incidents to gardai.”

Last week, it was reported that the Government is asking asylum seekers in places of safety not to travel to Ireland due to an accommodation shortage.

On Friday, the Department of Integration said it will become “necessary to pause” arrivals of people seeking international protection into the transit hub at Citywest.

This does not apply to Ukrainians.