"This was not a pre-planned operation on our part."
Gardaí have confirmed that investigations are underway into the circumstances of
an eviction that occurred on Prussia Street this past Wednesday (27 October).
The investigation was discussed in this week's
Policing Authority meeting where Garda Commissioner Drew Harris described the situation and the following investigation to board members.
Harris stated that a call was made at 7.15am on Wednesday morning, where "around twenty or thirty masked men had arrived at an address on Prussia Street, entered the premises and ordered him and others to vacate the property".
A high court order was provided for the eviction, which was "conducted by an agent closely associated with the owner of the property".
Harris said Garda presence was at the scene was "to preserve public order, and ensure no breach of criminal code".
"There's also been some allegations and counter allegations made by both parties, and those are subject to investigation, and appropriate action has been taken in terms of securing evidence, including CCTV evidence", Harris added.
"Our purpose there was to prevent crime and preserve peace, and that applies to both parties in this matter."
Those who were evicted invited the public to assist in a clean up operation on the property this week, after sharing images of damage done to possessions and living spaces in the process of the eviction.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CViYM11sZXX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
In a statement sent to JOE, Gardaí said they were not aware of this action in advance.
"The incident was responded to in accordance with our stated policy," the statement said.
"An Garda Síochána continues to investigate all the circumstances of this incident."
Main images via Sam Boal /RollingNews.ie
