Boy (17) in court over violent clash at Coolock asylum centre protest

Tom Tuite

A 17-year-old boy has been accused of violent disorder and damaging a Garda vehicle in connection with disturbances at a proposed centre for asylum seekers in Coolock, Dublin, last year.

He was one of five males to come before the courts on Friday on charges connected to events on July 15th, 2024, at or near the former Crown Paints factory on Malahide Road.

There were violent scenes in the area after the Government announced intentions to repurpose the building to house international protection applicants, a plan which was later abandoned.

The boy, who cannot be named because he is a juvenile, is accused of criminal damage to a squad car and using or threatening to use violence, with other unknown people, which would cause a person to fear for their own or another person's safety.

The incident is alleged to have occurred at Oscar Traynor Road in Coolock.

He had been charged earlier and given station bail ahead of Friday's court hearing, where Judge Brendan Toale granted an adjournment.

He ordered gardaí to provide disclosure of evidence to the defence.

The teen, who made no reply to the charges, was told to return next month when he will be expected to enter a plea.

He was aged 16 at the time of the alleged incidents.

Legal aid was granted. The Director of Public Prosecutions recommended that the case be dealt with in the Children's Court rather than the Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers. Jurisdiction was accepted.

A man in his 30s, two men in their 20s, and one in his late teens had cases listed before Dublin District Court on Friday with connected charges.

To date, a total of 45 individuals have been arrested as part of this continuing investigation which has already resulted in several court prosecutions.