Gardaí Release Images of 99 Individuals in Dublin Riot Investigation

The Gardaí (Irish police), who are investigating riots that occurred in Dublin nearly a year ago, have released CCTV images of 99 individuals they wish to speak to concerning the disorder. These riots commenced shortly after three children and a school care assistant were stabbed outside a city centre primary school on 23 November 2023. In the hours of unrest that ensued after the attack, 13 officers sustained injuries, multiple vehicles were set on fire, and shops were damaged and looted. As the first anniversary of the riots approaches, the Gardaí have appealed for public assistance to identify 99 “persons of interest” in an effort to either include or exclude them from the investigation. Chief Superintendent Patrick McMenamin stated that the Gardaí were seeking assistance “in order that we can bring to justice everyone who contributed to the rioting and violent disorder of the 23rd of November last”. He further added that the 99 individuals have been “identified as being present in the city centre and having played a role in the events” of that day. The Gardaí have also requested that anyone who identifies themselves in the CCTV stills contact the investigation team. These images were published on the Gardaí website after officers extensively reviewed more than 17,000 hours of CCTV footage. High public interest in viewing them led to interruptions on the website. On Tuesday, the Gardaí reported temporary delays in accessing the images “due to the high volume of traffic” to their website. The stabbing incident that preceded the riots occurred outside Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire school on Parnell Square, after children had departed from class that Thursday afternoon. During the assault, a young girl and a school care assistant who attempted to protect the children both sustained serious injuries. A single individual has been charged with attempted murder and remains in custody awaiting trial. The disturbances commenced in the inner city around 16:00 local time on that day and persisted until approximately midnight. A total of 28 vehicles sustained damage, among them a Luas tram and three Dublin buses that were consumed by fire. Approximately 66 businesses were damaged by those involved in the riots. On Tuesday, the Gardaí issued updated statistics detailing the current progress of their investigation. As of now, 57 individuals have been apprehended in connection with the riots, with 53 of them having faced charges. Fourteen individuals have been convicted of public order offences, receiving penalties that vary from imprisonment to a caution. A dedicated team comprising over 50 Gardaí and eight additional staff members is continuing to probe the riots.