Scuffles broke out between Gardaí and protestors in Roscrea last night.
The Integration Minister says it's never acceptable for protesters to block asylum seekers from accessing accommodation centres, following demonstrations in Roscrea.
Scuffles broke out between Gardaí and protesters outside Racket Hall Hotel yesterday, as 17 asylum seekers arrived at the centre.
Locals claim there was no engagement from the Government regarding moving international protection applicants into the hotel.
Integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman says people have a right to protest, but added it can be carried out in a way which doesn't impact those moving in:
Sending members of the Garda Public Order Unit to a protest in Roscrea was a "step too far," according to a local councillor.
During the operation, a man was arrested under the Public Order act, but he's since been released.
Independent Councillor Shane Lee says the situation could have been handled differently:
Sarah is one of the locals criticising how Gardaí handled the situation at the hotel yesterday:
Locals say Gardaí took a heavy handed approach, but Minister Simon Harris says he believes the response was appropriate:
Read More: "Enough Is Enough" - Protests Set To Continue At Roscrea Hotel
Offaly Councillor Seeks More Roads Funding In North Of County
Revenue Seize Contraband Worth Over €153k
Plans Lodged For New 24-Hour Automated Car Wash in Laois
Westmeath School Joins Expanded Online Admissions System
Offaly Soccer Club Seeks Green Light For Major Facilities Expansion
Laois Senator Warns Midlands STEM Progress At Risk Without New Funding
Offaly ICSA Sheep Chair Hits Out At Factories Over Lamb Prices
Calls For New Affordable Housing Strategy In Offaly
"Every Parent's Worst Nightmare" - Three Westmeath People Die In Malaga Crash
Offaly Community Group Points Finger At Renewable Energy Operators Over Road Damage
Defence Forces To Carry Out Training Exercise In Offaly
Gardai Ask Public For Help In Locating Missing Laois Teenager
Midlands School Raises Over €20k To Support Education In Uganda
Hauliers Call For Incremental End To Fuel Price Supports
Two Laois Designers Selected For National Design & Craft Gallery Exhibition
Ireland Prepares For EU Presidency With Increased Security
Fatal Westmeath Helicopter Crash Caused By Failed Training Manoeuvre
Laois Gardaí Thanking Public After Finding Missing Woman
Missing Laois Teenager Found Safe And Well
Man In His 90s Dies In Laois Crash