ROSCREA LATEST: Major protest expected at Racket Hall tonight

Protests are expected to escalate at Racket Hall Hotel in Roscrea tonight after Gardaí clashed with protestors at the hotel at lunchtime today.

Gardaí temporarily closed the N7 road in Roscrea to facilitate the arrival of a minibus carrying international protection applicants who will be accommodated in the hotel today.

One man was arrested during scuffles with protestors as they attempted to block the smaller service entrance to the hotel where the occupants of the bus accessed the hotel.

National media commentators have expressed alarm that people described as "far right" are planning to descend on the hotel in large numbers at 8pm after footage captured in Roscrea flooded the internet.

The topic 'roscrea' is the top trending item in Ireland on social media for a fourth consecutive day.

Meanwhile, Tipperary TDs Mattie McGrath (Ind) and Jackie Cahill (FF) clashed on RTÉ's Drivetime radio program this afternoon over the protests.

Members of the Public Order Unit and protestors face each other outside the front door of Racket Hall Hotel. Photo: PJ Wright

Deputy McGrath accused Deputy Cahill of "talking nonsense" when he suggested a meeting with Integration Minister, Roderic O'Gorman and Roscrea Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Smith and Deputy Cahill tomorrow will focus on securing more resources for Roscrea.

"They've been fighting for more resources in Roscrea for the last 20 years - they used to have 27 Gardaí in Roscrea and now they have seven", Deputy McGrath said.

Deputy Cahill said he hopes "an entrepreneur will come forward" and examine the feasibility of reopening the former Grant's Hotel located on Castle Street and said "an opportunity now exists in Roscrea for a hotel".

Protestors regroup after scuffles with Gardaí. Photo: PJ Wright

Local protestors say they plan to maintain their presence at the hotel into the fifth night of demonstrations tonight. Met Eireann have predicted harshly cold conditions in the Irish midlands.

Videos circulating online filmed in Roscrea today show a number of Gardaí and protestors being knocked to the ground and up to eight Garda vans on site as a bus carrying the refugees arrived.

Uniformed Gardaí remain at the hotel.

Gardaí said: “Shortly before 12 midday, uniformed members of An Garda Síochána, supported by ‘soft cap’ public order personnel provided a cordon at the entrance to the IPAS [International Protection Accommodation Services] Centre to facilitate access for transport carrying international protection applicants.” 

One man was arrested under the Public Order Act and has since been released. A file will be prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

Gardaí said “soft cap” means the public order personnel were not wearing helmets or body armour.

They added that pepper spray was not used during the operation, contrary to suggestions.

More on this breaking story as it happens