Gardaí are investigating a possibly racially motivated attack on a Chinese restaurant in Galway City Centre which has drawn widespread condemnation.
Videos which appear to show an attack on the Chinese restaurant have been widely circulated on social media including WhatsApp and Reddit.
Gardaí said that they are investigating a criminal damage incident that occurred on Quay Street at approximately 5:45pm on Thursday.
During the incident a male in his 40s was injured and was taken to University Hospital Galway with non-life threatening injuries.
Gardaí have identified all of the people involved in the incident, and a spokesperson said that a definite line of inquiry is being followed.
No arrests have yet been made and investigations are ongoing.
Mayor of Galway City Mike Cubbard said that he was “disgusted that anyone believes there is room for racism in this city” after seeing the video.
He said that the people involved should face a charges for criminal damage, assault, a “racially motivated charge”, and should also be charged with breaching the lockdown regulations in place during this public health crisis.
Newly elected TD for Galway West Mairead Farrell tweeted yesterday that “racism has no place in our society” after “disturbing” report of the attack on the Chinese restaurant.
Disturbing reports about a racist incident in Galway City towards Chinese businesses, racism has no place in our society.
— Mairéad Farrell TD (@Farrell_Mairead) April 16, 2020
City Council Owen Hanley also said that it was disturbing to see video of the incident, and expressed his solidarity with the workers affected.
Disturbing to see videos of what looks like a racially motivated assault on a Chinese business in Galway. Racism is completely unacceptable. Solidarity with the workers affected.
In unrelated news Xian street food are still doing deliveries and have the best spice bag in Ireland
— Cllr. Owen Hanley (@OwenHanleyLives) April 16, 2020
