Immigration

‘Anti-freedom’: Varadkar calls out protestors clashing with gardaí at Roscrea hotel

Scuffles broke out at the Racket Hall hotel in the Tipperary town while asylum seekers were being taken into the premises

Protesters at the Racket Hall hotel in Roscrea, Co Tipperary demonstrating over plans to house asylum seekers in the hotel. Picture: Niall Carson

The Taoiseach has described protesters who clashed with gardaí as they tried to prevent asylum seekers from entering accommodation in Co Tipperary as “anti-freedom” and “anti-democratic”.

Scuffles broke out at the Racket Hall hotel in Roscrea on Monday as protesters gathered while asylum seekers were being taken into the premises.

Demonstrators have been gathered outside the property since Thursday after news broke that the hotel was to be used to house asylum seekers.

Gardaí, including ...