Update on Dublin unrest for the Trinity community

Posted on: 23 November 2023

The following email has just been sent:

Dear College community,

I don’t think any of us expected to witness the horrific attacks and the unacceptable scenes that unfolded in Dublin yesterday. They were shocking and have no place in a democratic country.

As a result of the unrest, we closed the gates of Trinity on the advice of the Gardaí. Several hundred students and a number of staff had to spend the night on make-shift bedding in locations across campus.

 What I witnessed in the middle of all of this was the very best of Trinity, with students and staff coming together and helping each other. It was great to see the Students’ Union, members of different societies, college residents, Estates & Facilities, Security, Sports and other students and staff, who found themselves on campus, all working together.

A huge thanks to everyone who did so much last night. I am glad that College was open again today. We have decided, however, to postpone Monday’s Christmas tree gathering to a later date.

At this time, it is also useful to remind people of the many supports College offers to students and staff. Please keep safe and look after one another.

I also want to say this: Trinity College Dublin has long been a force for progressive values in Irish society. I want to recommit our university to the core principles of inclusion, welcome, diversity, equality, tolerance and respect.

At this uncertain time in society, our university will continue to stand firmly for these values.

With warm wishes,

Linda

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Update 8.25 am  Friday 24th November

Some students stayed overnight on campus when the Gardaí advised that we close the gates. These students may need to travel home now and will not be penalised for missing lectures, nor will students who arrive late, or have to leave early. I wish to confirm that if some students can’t make it in at all today they will not be penalised either. 

If any staff members have concerns, please contact your Head of School or Unit.  

As advised earlier, please check before travelling onto campus as some public transport may still be disrupted and some city centre roads may be closed. 

Please see here for information on supports available to staff and students.

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Update: 7.45 am Friday 24th November 

The commencement ceremonies due to take place on campus today will proceed as normal.  

 Please check before travelling onto campus as some public transport may still be disrupted and some city centre roads may be closed.  

 If for any reason you are unable to travel to Trinity today given the circumstances, please be assured that we will reschedule your graduation to another date. 

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Update: 7.20 am Friday 24th November

After yesterday evening’s public disorder in Dublin city centre, Trinity is fully open again.   

We are planning to operate a normal day but are keeping a close watch on the situation.  

It is likely that there will be an increased Gardaí presence in the city today and staff and students are advised to check before travelling in to the University as some public transport may still be disrupted and some city centre roads may be closed.  

Students will not be negatively impacted if they are delayed arriving to lectures, or have to leave early, today as a result of the disturbances. 

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Update 11:25 pm, Thursday 23rd November

We are preparing for students and staff to remain on campus overnight if the need arises. Temporary bedding is being organised.  

Please note that students will not be negatively impacted if they are delayed arriving to lectures tomorrow as a result of this evening’s events.  

Kinsella Hall, GMB and the 1937 Reading Room remain open to keep everyone safe.

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Posted 8.53 pm, Thursday 23rd November

Because of the disturbances in Dublin city centre Gardaí have instructed Trinity College Dublin to close all gates.