Fall in anti-immigrant protests in Dublin, but aggression increasing

There has been a fall in anti-immigrant protests in Dublin, Garda Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis has said.

However, she noted the level of aggression at demonstrations has increased.

Assistant Commissioner Willis, the senior Garda in charge of policing in Dublin city, made the remarks at Monday’s Joint Policing Committee meeting.

The committee heard there have been 291 protests so far in 2024, 75 of which were anti-immigration demonstrations.

In contrast, there were 73 anti-immigration protests in the first six weeks of 2023 alone.

Speaking to Newstalk, Councillor for Dublin North Inner City Ray McAdam said the increase in aggression is noticeable, not just at demonstrations.

“It doesn’t necessarily have to be in respect of anti-immigration protests, but just in general the level of aggression when people have strongly held views on any issue.”