19 people have been arrested in Dublin during a second consecutive night of tension and public disorder in the city centre.
Large crowds gathered in the city centre last night, with gardaí saying the ‘vast majority’ socialised in a positive way with a “very good atmosphere”.
However, a small group is being blamed for “persistent antisocial behaviour and public disorder”.
Gardaí say a group of around 200 young people threw glass bottles at officers on South Anne Street at around 9pm.
Public order units equipped with riot gear cleared crowds from the area.
Gardai came under fire again from bottles in Temple Bar Square just after 10 pm.
A number of streets were closed off in the city centre over the course of the evening as gardaí dispersed crowds in several areas, including around the Stephen's Green / Dawson Street area.
Members of the An Garda Siochana Public Order unit wearing riot gear and shields on Dawson Street in Dublin cit. Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ieThe force says no batons were used at any time, describing their response as “measured and considered”.
Two gardaí are said to have been injured over the course of the evening, with a Garda vehicle also damaged in Temple Bar Square.
One other person - who gardaí say was not a member of any group involved in public disorder incidents - was assaulted and taken to hospital.
In a statement, the force said: “In total, 19 people were arrested for public order offences in Dublin City Centre, including two juveniles who were released and referred for Juvenile Diversion Programme. Six persons received the Adult Caution, one person was released pending a summons for public order offences, while 10 people were charged with public order offences and will appear in court at a later date.
“Throughout the course of the evening, members of An Garda Síochána came under attack from glass bottles at various locations, a number of criminal damage incidents occurred including a bin being set on fire on South William Street.”
Dublin's Lord Mayor Hazel Chu says it's a small group of people involved in the anti-social behaviour.
She said: “I think it was appalling.
“Let’s be very clear here: It seems like… a minority of people - it’s not everyone.
“We need to maintain public space for everyone to use and use safely… we need to make sure we keep that in control.”
It follows similar scenes on Friday night, with Health Minister condemning those who attacked gardaí as "thuggish".
