“Despite this engagement there was a co-ordinated and concerted effort to physically breach the Garda cordon”

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Two people have been arrested following a “public disorder incident” in Dublin’s East Wall area this afternoon.

They have both been brought to Garda stations in the Dublin region.

Gardaí say they had attended and were monitoring a number of public gatherings in Dublin city today

During the afternoon a protest group gathered in the East Wall area.

As the public gathering moved towards Dublin Port Tunnel a Garda cordon was established to prevent a protest from blocking the tunnel and to “maintain traffic movement through key infrastructure”.

“An Garda Síochána attempted to engage with the protest group over the course of the afternoon to disperse the protest in a voluntary manner,” a Garda spokesperson added.

“Despite this engagement there was a co-ordinated and concerted effort to physically breach the Garda cordon.”

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Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Saturday, October 4

Gardai say they deployed “an escalation of response” in accordance with procedures.

Members of the Garda National Public Order Unit, dressed in ’soft cap’ uniform, supported by frontline uniformed gardaí, intervened to prevent a breach of the Garda cordon which included the use of incapacitant spray on protesters,” the spokesperson added.

“Two individuals have been arrested for public order offences and have been brought to Garda stations in the Dublin region.”

According to gardaí, following further engagement with protesters the protest has now dispersed.

“An Garda Síochána is not aware of any injuries being reported,” gardai added.

“Traffic flow is being returned to normal.”

Gardai say they will be carrying out further investigations in relation to this public disorder incident.

“There is a constitutional right to assemble peaceably, subject to statutory provisions,” a Garda spokesperson said.

“An Garda Síochána respects the right of citizens to exercise their constitutional rights subject to statutory provisions, including the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1984 amongst other legislation.”