O’Connell Bridge Blocked by Anti-Immigration Protesters, Disrupting Traffic and Luas Services; Garda Units Deployed

Anti-immigration protesters have taken to the streets, staging a sit-down demonstration on O’Connell Bridge after marching from the area surrounding the Dáil earlier this afternoon. Their protest followed a rival anti-racism march that crossed O’Connell Bridge and continued up O’Connell Street. 

Once the anti-immigration activists gathered at the bridge, they commenced their sit-down protest, effectively blocking the flow of traffic across this key route through the city. 

The Green Line of the Luas has been brought to a standstill beyond St Stephen’s Green due to an ongoing protest, resulting in significant disruptions to public transport in the northern part of Dublin. 

Bus services throughout the city are also facing delays as traffic congestion worsens, with roads backing up as a direct result of the protest. The blockade of O’Connell Bridge, a central artery for commuters and public transportation, has paralyzed much of the capital’s movement.

The demonstration has drawn the attention of the public and authorities, with gardaí deploying multiple public order units to the scene to ensure that peace is maintained and to prevent any potential clashes between opposing protest groups. In addition, a garda helicopter has been circling overhead as officers closely monitor the unfolding situation from both the ground and the air.

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The protesters at the O’Connell bridge began their march earlier in the day, gathering in significant numbers outside the GPO on O’Connell Street, which has long been a focal point for public demonstrations. Hundreds of demonstrators, some carrying Irish tricolour flags, “Erin Go Bragh” banners, and chanting slogans such as “You’ll Never Beat the Irish,” marched through Dublin towards the Dáil.

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Public order units, already on high alert, were deployed to maintain control of the situation. Dozens of officers remain stationed in the area, ensuring that both protests proceed without major incidents. 

As the protests continued to unfold, the impact on public transportation became increasingly evident. The Green Line of the Luas, one of the city’s primary tram routes, was forced to halt its operations north of St Stephen’s Green, disrupting services for commuters attempting to travel to or from the northern parts of Dublin.

One protester, echoing a common sentiment among the group, stated, “We should be like Germany, close the borders,” a comment that highlights the political overtones of the protest. The crowd also erupted into chants, including “Whose streets? Our streets!” and “Get them out, get them out!”—slogans often associated with anti-immigration protests.

Upon reaching the Dáil, the protesters were met with garda barriers set up along Molesworth Street to prevent them from approaching the gates of Leinster House. The protest, however, did not go unanswered. Nearby, more than 100 anti-racism counter-protesters had gathered at the junction of Dawson Street and Molesworth Street. 

Chanting in response to the anti-immigration demonstrators, the anti-racism group vocalised their stance with slogans like “far right loyalists, get off our streets or “Ireland Is Full.”

The scene was tense, with both groups facing off, separated by a heavy garda presence. Gardaí worked diligently to keep the rival protest groups apart, minimising the risk of direct confrontation.

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Public order units, already on high alert, were deployed to maintain control of the situation at the O’Connell bridge. Dozens of officers remain stationed in the area, ensuring that both protests proceed without major incidents. 

As the protests continued to unfold, the impact on public transportation became increasingly evident.

The Green Line of the Luas, one of the city’s primary tram routes was forced to halt its operations north of St Stephen’s Green, disrupting services for commuters attempting to travel to or from the

Though no official arrests have been reported at this time, images from the scene show that some individuals were temporarily detained by Gardaí, possibly to de-escalate tensions or remove agitators from the crowd. A Garda spokesperson has since confirmed that no formal arrests have been made in connection with the protest at this stage.

In addition, several bus companies reported major delays as their routes were diverted or delayed by the blockade of O’Connell Bridge. As traffic backed up throughout the capital, the disruption spread well beyond the immediate protest area, with ripple effects expected to affect commuters long after the demonstrations have dispersed.

By late afternoon, both protest groups began to disperse, with participants from both the anti-immigration and anti-racism marches making their way back toward O’Connell bridge Street and the surrounding areas.

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Despite the gradual resolution of the protest, the aftermath will continue to affect transport and traffic in the city for hours to come. Gardaí remain vigilant as they work to restore order across the O’Connell bridge street and ensure that any lingering disruptions are minimised.

The protest highlights the growing divide on immigration policy in Ireland, as well as the increasing frequency of public demonstrations in Dublin’s city centre. 

With emotions running high and a sizable public presence at these events, authorities are tasked with maintaining a delicate balance between preserving public safety at the O’Connell bridge protests and allowing the peaceful expression of views from both sides of the debate.