Anti-racism and anti-immigration protestors were kept apart by Gardaí when they came face-to-face in the city centre this afternoon.
A demonstration, organised by United Against Racism, met on the Spire today as a counter protest against an inti-immigration rally at the Garden of Remembrance.
The two groups passed each other on O'Connell Street later in the afternoon, as the rally headed to the Customs House, and were met with 300 members of an Garda Síochana patrolling the area.
Frontline Gardaí were supported by colleagues from the Garda National Public Order Unit, Garda Mounted Unit, Garda Dog Unit, Garda Air Support Unit, Divisional Plain Clothes Gardaí and Gardaí from National Units.
Following the events on Custom House Quay a small group attempted to cause further traffic disruption in Dublin City Centre.
Eleven arrests were made over the course of the policing operation.
Strategic Commander Chief Superintendent McMenamin said:
"Today a significant policing operation was deployed in Dublin City Centre. Gardaí had to police a challenging environment with a number of public gatherings organised and attended by persons with divergent and opposing views whilst also managing the rights of citizens to enjoy the amenity that is Dublin City Centre.
"Despite the challenging environment and the intensity of opposing interactions, particularly on O’Connell street, the events passed off primarily peacefully.
"I want to thank the business community and public transport companies in Dublin City Centre for their support throughout the afternoon.”
