A major security operation is continuing after Gardai clashed with protesters at a site in north Dublin that is due to be developed to house asylum seekers
A large number of people gathered at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock on Monday and Gardai have been attacked with missiles.
At least 12 arrests have been made and a number of garda vehicles damaged.
Ireland’s Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she was “appalled” by the scenes which developed through the day.
Incapacitant spray was used by the garda public order unit in an attempt to disperse the crowd which had gathered close to where a makeshift anti-immigration camp had been set up.
The violence flared in the morning after preparations were made to start work at a disused building which is to be redeveloped to house asylum seekers.
Protesters gathered, some with their faces covered, and a number of fires were set. Videos and pictures posted on social media on Monday showed a digger in flames.
Workers who were to begin renovating the premises were removed from the site.
The protest camp was set up several months ago to prevent workers from renovating the premises, with people there around the clock.
Videos on social media also showed a stand-off between gardai and protesters, while some demonstrators shouted abuse at officers.
Masked men and youths were also 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”.
#Coolock
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) July 15, 2024
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
“They are going to ask you if you have a private room and force you to put them in,” he said.
Dozens of gardai formed a line to bar access to protesters.
Officers from the Public Order Unit were also in the area as well as the garda helicopter.
The violence escalated as bricks and fireworks were thrown at garda officers and the fire service, and bins and mattresses were set alight.
Traffic was diverted from the area and one of the city’s main arteries, the Malahide Road was closed.
Pictures from the scene showed a number of people being detained by Gardai.
A large number of people gathered on Monday evening after a call on social media for a protest to take place at 6pm.
Gardai were again attacked with missiles and responded by using incapacitant spray.
A garda spokesman said officers remain at the scene of a “serious public order incident”.
The spokesman added: “There is a significant Garda presence in place, which includes several Garda public order units.
I am appalled at the criminal behaviour that took place in Coolock today.
— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) July 15, 2024
I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice.
“Several people have been arrested, and are currently in custody at Garda stations in Dublin, pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
“The Malahide Road at Coolock is currently closed in both directions, and local diversions are in place.
“It is the intention to re-open the Malahide Road as soon as it safe to do so.
“This operation remains ongoing.”
In a social media post, Ms McEntee said: “I am appalled at the criminal behaviour that took place in Coolock today.
The burning of vehicles and attempted burning of the building are violent criminal acts and must be strongly condemned
“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.”
She added: “Gardai were on the scene immediately and the public order unit is on site.
“People engaged in such acts will face the full rigours of the law.”
A spokesman for the 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.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Integration said: “This morning a provider attempted to begin work on the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock to allow it be used as accommodation for people seeking international protection.
“No international protection applicants were due to be accommodated today as the work is anticipated to take several weeks.
“Protests at the entrance to this site have delayed work beginning on this site for several months.
“The department condemns all acts of criminality and intimidation of providers and their employees.”
Cllr. Mícheál Mac Donncha condemns ‘deplorable’ violent criminal acts on Malahide Road
— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) July 15, 2024
"This is an effort to spread fear and hate in our communities and the vast majority of decent people want nothing to do with it."https://t.co/NWBcG6N7wf
Sinn Fein Dublin City councillor Micheal Mac Donncha described the scenes as “deplorable”.
He said: “The burning of vehicles and attempted burning of the building are violent criminal acts and must be strongly condemned.
“Those responsible should desist immediately.
“This is an effort to spread fear and hate in our communities and the vast majority of decent people want nothing to do with it.”