Garda public order units mounted an operation to clear the thoroughfare and a number of people were detained as a result.
Gardaí on loudhailers ordered demonstrators to leave the bridge before moving in to disperse the protest.
A number of protesters were removed and placed in Garda vans amid angry scenes.
Hundreds of members of the public gathered to watch the dispersal operation.
The bridge has now been cleared of protesters, who have moved further up O’Connell Street.
Dublin Bus said services were “experiencing heavy delays to services in the city centre due to today’s protest” but this has been resolved.
The anti-immigration protesters had been staging a sit-down protest on O’Connell Bridge in central Dublin, having marched back from the area around the Dáil this afternoon.
A rival anti-racism march made its way over the bridge and up O’Connell Street shortly before the anti-immigration activists gathered and commenced the sit down demonstration.
Multiple public order units gathered near O’Connell Bridge and a garda helicopter circled overhead.
We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity.
Several bus companies said they were experiencing delays due to the blockade of the bridge earlier today.
Earlier, the anti-immigration protesters walked through Dublin city towards the Dáil after gathering outside the GPO on O’Connell Street for a demonstration carrying tricolour flags, “Erin Go Bragh” banners and “You’ll Never Beat the Irish”.
A garda spokesperson said they were unaware of any arrests stemming from the protests but images show that people were detained, at least temporarily, by gardaí at the scene.
“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.
Today’s News in 90 seconds – 19th September 2024
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”.
People protest in Dublin’s city centre this afternoon.(Pic: Collins Photos)
