Around 100 people held a peaceful demonstration outside Citywest Hotel in Saggart, County Dublin last night. 

After two nights of violence and rage, the streets around the State owned hotel were calmer yesterday evening. 

Speaking to Josh Crosbie for Newstalk Breakfast, Saggart Guardians spokesperson Alan said the group was keen to stage a demonstration that was “100% peaceful”. 

 For some time, the Citywest hotel has been used to house asylum seekers and in June the Government announced they had purchased the building for €148 million. 

Saggart Guardians strongly opposed the purchase and believe the alleged assault that took place in the vicinity of the hotel on Monday has vindicated their concerns. 

“The message is still the same - we want our hotel back,” Alan said. 

“We want our women and children safe in this area; I have two girls who go to school down the road. 

“We cannot let them walk to school and walk home. We have to collect them, even though it’s encouraged to walk to school.” 

Peaceful protesters outside Citywest. Picture by: RollingNews.ie.

Alan continued that while they had regularly raised their concerns with Gardaí, the violent protests that erupted after news of the alleged assault broke have “nothing to do with Saggart”. 

He added that he feels immigrants who work and contribute to the economy are “100% welcome” in Saggart. 

“All these lads throwing bottles, they’re here because of what happened - which is terrible,” he said. 

“As a local resident, we want our hotel back - plain and simple. 

“And we want more facilities.” 

So far, 31 people have been arrested in connection to the violence on Tuesday and Wednesday night, of whom 23 have been brought before the district court.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has said he is “determined” that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.

Main image: Gardaí gather for a third night near the IPAS building in Citywest. Picture by: RollingNews.ie.