Arrests after protesters clash with Gardaí at site earmarked for asylum seekers
By Jonathan McCambridge and Cate McCurry, PA
A number of arrests have been made after Gardaí clashed with anti-immigration protesters at a site in north Dublin that is due to be developed to house asylum seekers.
Gardaí and fire service personnel came under attack with missiles at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, where a makeshift camp has been set up by anti-immigration protesters.
It followed the setting of a number of fires at the site. Videos and pictures posted on social media on Monday showed a digger in flames.
The protesters object to the disused building being redeveloped to house asylum seekers.
Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee has said she was “appalled” by the scenes.
The protest camp was set up several months ago to prevent workers from renovating the premises, with people in attendance around the clock.
Videos on social media also showed a stand-off between gardaí and protesters, while some demonstrators were seen shouting abuse at officers.
#Coolock
The Malahide Road is closed in both directions near the industrial park as we deal with pallets and construction machinery alight.
Three fire engines from Kilbarrack, North Strand and Finglas fire stations along with a turntable ladder are on scene. pic.twitter.com/zBzQxGZay0— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) July 15, 2024
Masked men and youths were also seen at the site, while a man with a megaphone told the crowd the Government is going to “change the constitution”.
He claimed ministers will “change the 39th amendment to take our private property”.
“They are going to ask you if you have a private room and force you to put them in,” he said.
Dozens of gardaí attended the site and formed a line to bar access to protesters.
Officers from the Public Order Unit were also in the area.
Violence flared as bricks were thrown at Garda officers and the fire service and a bin was set alight.
Pictures from the scene show a number of people being detained by Gardaí,
In a social media post, Ms McEntee said: “I am appalled at the criminal behaviour that took place in Coolock today.
“I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner (Drew Harris) and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice.”
I am appalled at the criminal behaviour that took place in Coolock today.
I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice.
— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) July 15, 2024
A garda spokesman said: “Gardaí are currently at the scene of a public order incident at a premises on the Malahide Road, Dublin 17, this morning.
“The Malahide Road is currently closed and diversions are in place.
“As this is an ongoing incident, An Garda Siochana has no further details at this time.”
Dublin Fire Brigade said: “The Malahide Road is closed in both directions near the industrial park as we deal with pallets and construction machinery alight.
“Three fire engines from Kilbarrack, North Strand and Finglas fire stations along with a turntable ladder are on scene.”
