Gardaí have begun a criminal investigation after violence broke out at a large protest outside an accommodation centre for international protection applicants at Citywest in Co Dublin
Around 2,000 people attended the protest, but shortly afterwards hooded and masked men threw missiles and fireworks at gardaí, vandalised the Luas stop and a garda van was set on fire.
The Luas and Dublin bus services to Saggart were suspended for a time.
The Garda Public Order Unit in full riot gear, the Mounted Unit, the Dog Unit, Air Support and water cannon were deployed.
The protesters were dispersed after two-and-a-half hours and calm was restored.
One female garda sustained foot injuries.
Six people were arrested for public order offences.
Groups of demonstrators hurled abuse at gardaí. Some, including men on horses and a sulky, tried to breach garda lines but were guided away by unarmed, uniformed gardaí wearing soft caps.
The situation turned violent as groups of young men, some wearing hoods with their faces covered, hurled traffic cones, bricks, bottles and other missiles at gardaí.
Bins were also emptied and their contents used as missiles.
Gardaí say individuals were seen carrying tools and garden forks and damaging property in the area. The garda helicopter was targeted with tasers-RTE
