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Gardaí call out 'fake news' over Racket Hall Hotel Roscrea as arrest man after clashes
Gardaí have confirmed that they have made an arrest at the Racket Hall Hotel in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, where locals are protesting the use of the building to accommodate asylum seekers.
There were tense exchanges between gardaí and protesters on Monday as officers formed a human shield at the building as international protection seekers were reportedly moved in.
An arrest has been confirmed after scuffles broke out but gardaí have also called out "fake news" they say is circulating about the situation and their response.
A Garda spokesperson said: "Following consultation with relevant stakeholders, this morning Monday, January 15, 2024, An Garda Síochána put in place an operation at an International Protection Accommodation Centre in Roscrea.
"Shortly before 12 midday, Uniform Members of An Garda Síochána supported by ‘soft cap’ Public Order personnel provided a cordon at the entrance to the IPAS Centre to facilitate access for transport carrying International Protection Applicants.
"During the course of the operation one male was arrested under the public order act. He has subsequently been released and a file will be prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.
"A Garda presence remains at the IPAS centre at this time."
The statement went on to say that "An Garda Síochána is acutely aware of the significant volume of misinformation, disinformation and fake news in circulation in relation to International Protection Applicants."
They added: "‘Soft cap’ Public Order personnel means Public Order personnel were not wearing helmets or body armour.
"An Garda Síochána is aware of suggestion that OC Spray was used during today’s operation. This is incorrect," they concluded.
Locals are continuing to maintain a presence at the building despite the arrival of applicants to the hotel earlier today. A demonstrations also took place in the town on Saturday where a number of high-profile Tipperary politicians addressed the crowds.
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