Gardai clash with protesters in Roscrea as asylum seekers are moved into Racket Hall Hotel

The scene at Racket Hall Hotel currently where a large number of the Garda Public Order Unit are present

placeholder image — The scene at Racket Hall Hotel currently where a large number of the Garda Public Order Unit are present

N7 road was temporarily closed to facilitate the arrival of buses

A phalanx of members of the Garda Public Order Unit are currently engaged in a standoff with approximately 200 protestors at the Racket Hall Hotel in Roscrea.

At 12 noon today several Garda vehicles arrived at the entrance to the hotel and have kettled protestors into an area where they cannot prevent access to the hotel premises.

The febrile situation currently unfolding at the Racket Hall Hotel saw buses arrive under a heavy Garda escort, where asylum seekers alighted the buses and entered the hotel.

Approximately 200 protestors are at the scene and t least one man was arrested by Gardaí.

Asylum seekers arrive at the Racket Hall under a heavy Garda escort