Gardai have launched an investigation following violent scenes last night at a site where refugees have been sleeping rough.
The incident happened at a small encampment on Sandwith Street, near the International Protection Office. Footage shared on social media and seen by Dublin Live shows a number of violent clashes occurring in the area last night after a large group of protesters gathered near the tents.
Gardai have confirmed that they attended the scene on Sandwith Street yesterday evening but said that no formal complaints were made to officers.
Read more: Violent scenes in Dublin city after group gather around asylum seekers
A spokeswoman said: "Gardaí are aware of footage being circulated on social media which occurred in the Sandwith Street area and an investigation into this incident is being carried out at Pearse Street Garda Station. Investigations ongoing."
Local TD Chris Andrews slammed the violence as "completely unacceptable". He told Dublin Live: "The bottom line is that this is a result of neglect of the inner city and working class communities. The buildings beside it are St. Andrews Court flats that were earmarked for regeneration 5 years ago.
"I was at a meeting almost 5 years ago with residents and DCC who said they would redevelop this site and increase the social housing available to residents yet nothing has happened and now the Government and the Council have left this site become almost like skid row. The Government need to show a sense of urgency around the redevelopment of these public homes."
Deputy Andrews added that "residents deserve better than this".
"The Government allowing this situation develop is more evidence of neglect of inner city communities," he said.
"The other nearby flats have been neglected for years and there has been no investment in the flats or the community and all residents face is ongoing frustration and neglect.
"It all comes down to Government failing to have a plan and a strategy. A number of years ago I warned that without a plan and a strategy for immigrants there would be consequences for social cohesion and it is coming to pass now."
The Sinn Fein TD added that he has contacted Pearse Garda Station and Dublin City Council about the matter.
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