13 Sep 2018 | 12:25 PM UTC
Ireland: Housing protests in Dublin
Traffic disruptions during housing protests in Dublin on September 12; further protests likely
Event
Hundreds of people gathered in Dublin on Wednesday, September 12, in a protest organized by the "Take Back the City" group in support of housing activists. The march began at 17:30 and came to an end at 20:00 (local time). Public transportation and street traffic disruptions occurred in the areas of O'Connell Street, Parnell Square, 34 North Frederick Street, and Belvedere Place. Further associated protests are anticipated in the coming days; further traffic disruptions and clashes are possible.
Context
Take Back the City activists have been occupying several vacant buildings in Dublin to protest the housing crisis. On September 11, Gardai forces (Irish police) and members of a private security firm evicted protesters from a vacant building on North Frederick Street. The event led to protests on the same day in support of the activists, during which six people were arrested following clashes with security forces.
Advice
Individuals in Dublin, and Ireland more generally, are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution.
