The protesters had marched from the Dáil where anti-immigration and rival anti-racism protests took place.
Gardaí said they responded to several public order incidents throughout the day and arrested a total of 19 people.
“In order to ensure the safety of all protestors and the general public, gardaí implemented a graduated policing response,” a garda spokesperson said.
“Throughout the day, gardaí engaged with protestors and directions were given to those that had gathered at O’Connell Bridge to disperse from the area within the hour.
“This direction was not adhered to and two Garda Public Order Units were subsequently deployed.
“Uniform gardaí and Garda Public Order Units will remain on proactive patrol in Dublin city centre for the remainder of this evening,” they added.
Gardai and anti-immigration protesters gather outside the Dáil
Gardaí said they are not aware of any injuries at this time and said investigations into the incidents are ongoing.
The O’Connell Bridge and the surrounding roads are now open and the traffic is moving.
The Green Line and Red Line of the Luas are now back operating with delays after the disruption this afternoon.
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Hundreds of anti-immigration protesters earlier walked through Dublin city towards the Dáil after gathering outside the GPO on O’Connell Street for a demonstration carrying Tricolours, “Erin Go Bragh” banners and “You’ll Never Beat the Irish” flags.
“We should be like Germany, close the borders,” one protester said. The group broke out in chants of “Whose streets? Our streets” and “Get them out, get them out”.
Gardaí detain a man at the protest (Pic: Collins Photos)
They assembled halfway down Molesworth Street facing Leinster House, with garda barriers preventing them getting close to the gates.
More than 100 anti-racism counter-demonstrators gathered close by at the junction of Dawson Street and Molesworth Street. Participants loudly chanted “far right loyalists, get off our streets”.
Those protests largely passed off without incident but a sit-down protest from anti-immigration protesters from 4pm onwards led to commuter disruption with Dublin Bus and Luas services effected, while traffic backed up along the quays in Dublin well into the evening.
Eventually normal traffic was restored after gardaí cleared the bridge and the protesters went up O’Connell Street.
People protest in Dublin’s city centre this afternoon.(Pic: Collins Photos)
