A number of arrests have been made following disturbances in Coolock, co Dublin at the site of a former Crown Paints factory, set to be developed into accommodation for International Protection applicants.
The site in Coolock is being considered as accommodation for up to 500 people, with the Department of Integration saying that it would full engage with public and community leaders.
“Protests at the entrance to this site have delayed work beginning on this site for several months”, they said. “The Department condemns all acts of criminality and intimidation of providers and their employees”.
On this development, the Department had said that the “proposal is for modular units placed inside the warehouse, providing mixed use accommodation for families, couples, single adult males and single adult females”.
It also added “an experienced and trusted accommodation provider has expressed interest in the delivery of the accommodation and attendant security services under this proposal” and that “people seeking International Protection would be accommodated on a gradual basis under the proposal, and an estimated 500 people may be housed there”.
The joint policing committee from Dublin City Council were told earlier this year that these protests at Coolock had a “criminal element embedded” within them.
Arrests Made
Protests against this development have led to a number of arrests being made, with the Garda Public Order Unit being deployed. Incapacitant spray has also been used.
Bricks were thrown at Gardaí, with the fire service personnel also coming under attack. A number of fires were also lit, with machinery also being set fire to earlier this afternoon.
This has all led to the removal of workers from the site, who were due to begin renovating the premises.
Speaking on these incidents, Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said that she was “appalled”, while insisting that those involved in these disturbances will face the “face rigours of the law”.
Such incidents include footage of a fire taking place beside an excavator and trees, as well as people wearing masks shouting abuse at people.
Gardaí have said that they are dealing with a “public order incident” at the site. They said that they have diverted traffic, including along the Malahide Road.
Dublin Fire Brigade were also called to this incident.
