Tents sheltering 15 asylum seekers were attacked on City Quay in Dublin last night.
It is understood the camp, which was erected on the quay yesterday evening at around 8pm, was attacked almost three hours later.
Sources have said those who attacked the camp were brandishing knives and pipes.
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There were eight tents at the site, which were slashed and thrown into the River Liffey.
One man lost all his documents, according to volunteers.
The International Protection Applicants fled to a nearby garda station.
Gardaí have confirmed that officers from Pearse Street Garda Station responded to a report of criminal damage on City Quay, Dublin 2, in the early hours of this morning and that investigations are ongoing.
When asked about the incident, Minister for Integration Roderic O'Gorman said that any attack on vulnerable people is "absolutely deplorable".
He said his department is working closely to ensure that anybody who was involved in this attack is provided with an offer of accommodation today.
Irish Refugee Council 'extremely concerned'
Chief Executive of the Irish Refugee Council Nick Henderson described the attack as "really shocking" and "appalling".
Mr Henderson said the organisation was "extremely concerned" about the incident.
He told RTÉ's Drivetime: "It should be of no surprise to the Government or the authorities that this has happened."
"Current Government policy requires people to sleep rough to be eligible for an an offer of accommodation," he added.
Mr Henderson said the policy was "almost baking in and requiring a demonstration of sleeping rough" before individuals receive an offer of accommodation.
"It's also hugely problematic to those vunerable people at risk," he said.
Mr Henderson said: "Any person sleeping rough is at risk.
"It's fundementally unsafe for any person, but particularly for International Protection Applicants."
Additional reporting Jackie Fox
