The threat of deportation to Rwanda is causing migrants to head for Ireland instead of the UK, Ireland's deputy prime minister has said. The Rwanda Bill, which will see asylum seekers 'entering the UK illegally' sent to the central African nation - regardless of the outcome of their application - was passed on Tuesday, despite human rights concerns.
Overnight, six people were arrested during a protest at a site earmarked to house asylum seekers in Newtownmountkennedy in Co Wicklow. Gardai said officers came under attack after workers were brought onto the site, suffering 'verbal and physical abuse throughout the day, which escalated into rocks and other missiles being thrown this evening'. Fires were lit, an axe was found and officers were 'forced to defend themselves' with incapacitant spray, helmets and shields.