Several people were arrested in the north Dublin suburb of Coolock on Monday after protesters clashed with gardaí (police) at the site of a former Crown Paints factory that has been earmarked for asylum seekers.
Protesters lit a number of fires at the entrance to the factory on the Malahide Road on Monday, while some people also set fire to machinery. Protesters also threw rocks and bottles at gardaí, who responded by using pepper spray.
Around 100 protesters gathered at the site on Monday to protest against its use as an accommodation center for International Protection applicants.
The Department of Integration has previously said that the site will accommodate around 500 asylum seekers.
"Protests at the entrance to this site have delayed work beginning on this site for several months," the Department said in a statement.
"The Department condemns all acts of criminality and intimidation of providers and their employees."
A number of people have been arrested amid disturbances in Coolock in Dublin at the site of the former Crown Paints factory, which is due to be developed for International Protection applicants https://t.co/xnEUhMHUA3
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) July 15, 2024
A blockade had been in place at the site in recent weeks in protest against its use as an accommodation facility.
On Monday morning, a fire broke out at a makeshift camp used by anti-immigration protesters and destroyed a JCB digger, which was being used to dismantle the camp. The fire later spread to other areas.
Around 60 gardaí were at the site on Monday morning, including 30 members of the Public Order Unit, who held a line across Malahide Road using riot shields.
Around 30 Garda vehicles lined Malahide Road, which was closed for about 1km between its junction with Oscar Traynor Road and the Darndale roundabout.
Latest: Gardaí and anti-migrant protesters have clashed in the Coolock area of north Dublin. The disturbances broke out at a site due to be developed for international protection applicants. pic.twitter.com/h4fDwCi8O4
— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) July 15, 2024
A number of local businesses closed their doors on Monday due to the violence.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said those involved in the violent scenes will face the "full rigors of the law".
McEntee added that she was "appalled" by the incident and said she has been assured by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris "that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice".
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