There were uneasy scenes in Dublin City Centre this afternoon as members of the newly formed Irish Anti-Islamisation group Pegida had a stand off with demonstrators and the Gardaí.
According to reports it is believed that hundreds of protesters gathered on O’Connell Street to stage a demonstration against the far-right group. Gardaí say there is currently a stand-off is in effect between the Garda Public Order Unit, Pegida and demonstrators this evening. It is believed that scenes turned nasty after a small group broke away from the large party of counter-protesters and chased another group down Earl Street and into a discount store.
Gardai say O’Connell Street is now closed to traffic in both directions between Abbey Street and Cathal Brugha Street, with Cathedral Street cordoned off by public order, mounted and canine garda units. The closure cones after a number of representatives from groups such as Sinn Fein, People Before Profit, the Workers Solidarity Movement and Irish Muslim organisations have gathered to demonstrate against Pegida.