Limerick traffic was brought to a standstill on Saturday, October 25, as a result of a protest organised by a group called ‘Limerick Says No’. The protest, which began at Arthurs Quay at 12 noon, marched down through O’Connell Street before making its way to Shannonbridge roundabout, where traffic was brought to to a halt. Gardaí arrested three people at the event, two males in their 30’s and 60’s and one female in her 30’s, under the Public Order Act. All three were bought to a Garda Station in Limerick before being released without charge. Gardaí confirmed that “files will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.”
Speaking about he event gardai said they “can facilitate [the] protest, but [the protest] cannot block [Shannonbridge] roundabout as it is a route for ambulance personnel.”
The gathering, which included about 50 people, consisted of both adults and children. The atmosphere was tense as protesters declared their reasoning through a megaphone at Arthurs Quay. The group cited an incident in Dublin where a 10-year-old girl under the care of Tusla was sexually assaulted. A 26-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident.
Children present at Saturday’s protest in Limerick were overheard saying “[They] couldn’t be kidnapped… everyone here is Irish,” before being observed pointing at a foreign national and shouting “kidnapper.”
This is the latest in the series of anti-immigration protests happening around the country. Some 17 people have now been charged following disturbances at Citywest accommodation in Dublin earlier this month.