Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson for Dublin Denise Mitchell has praised the effort of Dublin Fire Brigade last night, but said that the anti-social response that they encountered in several areas is ‘simply unacceptable’.

The TD for Dublin Bay North said:

“This Hallowe’en, as with all Hallowe’ens, Dublin Fire Brigade served the people of this city with utmost dedication. Their bravery is beyond reproach. Similarly so with an Garda Síochána, neither emergency service should be subjected to what happened last night.

“The anti-social behaviour that they were faced with across the city is simply unacceptable. To hear reports of barricades blocking streets and firefighters being pelted with rocks is appalling. These men and women risk life and limb to protect people and their homes.

“Illegal bonfires is a topic that has been much discussed and will continue to be, but this sort of behaviour must be eliminated quickly and effectively. We cannot have the lives of firefighters and the public endangered by this type of stupidity.”