A garda had to receive medical attention to cuts and bruises sustained when dealing with disturbances outside and inside the Bridgewater Centre in Arklow, Co Wicklow, at the weekend.
The €180 million shopping centre, containing shop, offices, restaurants and cafes, and a nine screen cinema had only been officially opened by Absolutely Fabulous actress Joanna Lumley on Thursday. Security staff called in gardaí late on Friday night when disturbances flared. A Garda spokesman said drink may have been a factor in the disturbances, which involved teenage youths.
Several gardaí were injured as they attempted to arrest the troublemakers and one garda had to have his injuries treated by a doctor. Seven or eight youths were arrested.