Young girl allegedly assaulted in west Dublin had gone missing from Tusla care

LAST UPDATE | 11 hrs ago

A YOUNG GIRL at the centre of a garda investigation into whether she was assaulted in west Dublin had been in the care of Tusla when she went missing. 

A man in his 20s was arrested by gardaí yesterday as they investigate the alleged incident. Gardaí previously reported his age as being in his 30s.

He is detained at a Dublin garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. Under that legislation, he can be questioned for up to 24 hours.

The alleged assault was reported in the area of the Citywest Hotel complex, which has been purchased by the Government for the accommodation of international protection applicants.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses in connection with the investigation. 

They would like to speak to anyone who was in the City West Drive, Garter Lane, City West Luas Stop or Saggart Luas Stop areas between 11pm on Sunday, 19 October and 1.30am on Monday, 20 October. 

The Garda investigation team can be contacted at Clondalkin Garda Station on (01) 666 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. 

In a statement yesterday evening, Tusla confirmed to The Journal that a young girl in its care was involved in a “serious incident” over the weekend.

The agency said the girl had been voluntarily placed into its care by her family earlier this year “due to significant behavioural issues”.

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She had been living in a fully staffed residential placement run by a funded community and voluntary partner.

According to Tusla, the girl absconded from staff while on a planned recreational trip in Dublin city centre. Staff immediately reported her missing to gardaí and later established that she had returned to a relative’s home, before leaving again later that evening.

“She remained in phone contact with staff but would not identify her precise location. She subsequently told staff that she had been involved in a serious incident,” the statement said.

Tusla added that the girl was later located by gardaí after staff alerted them to her whereabouts.

“Our priority now is on supporting the young girl and her family and liaising with An Garda Síochána as part of their investigation,” the agency said, adding that it would not be appropriate to share further details at this time. 

Last night there was a large garda presence in the area near the Citywest Hotel complex after crowds had gathered.

A Garda spokesperson said officers were in attendance at a public gathering in Saggart.

Photos and videos posted on social media show people carrying a large banner that reads: “SOS Save our Saggart, Give us our village back.”

There were also false reports that the incident involved a fatal stabbing, gardaí said. 

A spokesperson said investigations into the matter are ongoing. 

With reporting from Andrew Walsh

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