The Green Line of the Luas is not running past St Stephen’s Green to the north of the cityDublin Bus experiencing ‘heavy delays’Traffic is backing up in the capital as a result
Garda Public Order Units mounted an operation to clear the thoroughfare and a number of people were detained as a result.
Gardaí on loud hailers ordered demonstrators to leave the bridge before moving in to disperse the protest.
A number of protesters were removed and placed in Garda vans amid angry scenes.
Hundreds of members of the public gathered to watch as the dispersal operation was mounted.
The bridge has now been cleared of protesters who have moved further up O’Connell Street.
Dublin Bus said services were “experiencing heavy delays to services in the city centre due to today’s protest,” a spokesperson told the Irish Independent.
“Diversions are currently in place, and we advise customers to check Dublin Bus social media channels and our website for updates,” they added.
Anti-immigration protesters had been staging a sit-down protest on O’Connell Bridge in central Dublin, having marched back from the area around the Dáil this afternoon.
A rival anti-racism march made its way over the bridge and up O’Connell Street shortly before the anti-immigration activists gathered and commenced the sit down demonstration.
Multiple public order units gathered near O’Connell Bridge and a garda helicopter circled overhead.
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Several bus companies said they were experiencing delays due to the blockade of the bridge.
Earlier, the anti-immigration protesters walked through Dublin city towards the Dáil after gathering outside the GPO on O’Connell Street for a demonstration carrying tricolour flags, “Erin Go Bragh” banners and “You’ll Never Beat the Irish”.
A garda spokesperson said they were unaware of any arrests stemming from the protests but images show that people were detained, at least temporarily, by gardaí at the scene.
“We should be like Germany, close the borders,” one protester said. The group broke out in chants of “Whose streets? Our streets” and “Get them out, get them out”.
Gardaí detain a man at the protest (Pic: Collins Photos)
They assembled halfway down Molesworth Street facing Leinster House, with garda barriers preventing them getting close to the gates.
Today’s News in 90 seconds – 19th September 2024
More than 100 anti-racism counter-demonstrators gathered close by at the junction of Dawson Street and Molesworth Street. Participants loudly chanted “far right loyalists, get off our streets”.
People protest in Dublin’s city centre this afternoon.(Pic: Collins Photos)
Dozens of gardaí remain in the area to ensure rival protesters are kept apart. Garda public order units have been deployed to the scene.
