Gardaí And Protesters Clash For Second Night - Kildare Cllr Tom McDonnell Points Blame At Gardai

Wednesday, 22 October 2025 23:20

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

Tom McDonnell at tonight's protest in Citywest

In a video posted online, Kildare Independent Cllr Tom McDonnell claimed that violent outbreaks were caused by The Justice Minister and Gardai.

A protest close to the Citywest IPAS accommodation centre has escalated tonight with protesters launching fireworks and missiles at Gardai.

Tensions rose as protesters gathered at Citywest Drive where public order gardaí in riot gear have set up a cordon blocking the road that leads to the Ipas centre.

Some members of the crowd have launched fireworks and thrown rocks.

The Garda helicopter has been hovering over the scene.

Gardaí have made a push to move people away from the scene.

A second protest at the Saggart Village side is of the IPAS centre is ongoing but has remained relatively peaceful.

Meanwhile, in a video posted online, Kildare Independent Cllr Tom McDonnell claimed that violent outbreaks were caused by The Justice Minister and Gardai.

He said he has attended the protest on both nights, and made claims online that Gardai "confronted" protesters.

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