Sky News interviews with teachers and community leaders in Tallaght painted a grim picture of the human impact of the Citywest riots. Kevin Shortall, principal of St Aidan’s Community School, told reporters on 23 October that some migrant pupils “locked themselves in hotel rooms” while rioters outside fired fireworks and stones.
Sky footage showed children as young as seven throwing missiles amid what witnesses called “urban warfare”. Gardaí confirmed that 31 arrests have now been processed; five juvenile suspects were referred to the Youth Diversion Programme.
The psychological toll on relocated families is significant. NGOs such as the Irish Refugee Council are deploying counsellors, while the Department of Children is reviewing whether families should be moved away from high-tension sites. For employers relocating staff to Ireland under Intra-Company Transfer or Critical Skills permits, the story underscores the importance of family-support services – including trauma counselling and secure housing guarantees – as part of any assignment package.
The government reiterated that peaceful protest is protected but vowed to prosecute anyone engaging in violence, signalling a harder stance that could see more rapid-response policing around asylum centres nationwide.
Sky footage showed children as young as seven throwing missiles amid what witnesses called “urban warfare”. Gardaí confirmed that 31 arrests have now been processed; five juvenile suspects were referred to the Youth Diversion Programme.
The psychological toll on relocated families is significant. NGOs such as the Irish Refugee Council are deploying counsellors, while the Department of Children is reviewing whether families should be moved away from high-tension sites. For employers relocating staff to Ireland under Intra-Company Transfer or Critical Skills permits, the story underscores the importance of family-support services – including trauma counselling and secure housing guarantees – as part of any assignment package.
The government reiterated that peaceful protest is protected but vowed to prosecute anyone engaging in violence, signalling a harder stance that could see more rapid-response policing around asylum centres nationwide.
