Protesters hurl ‘missiles’at police at Dublin manufacturing unit set for migrants
Protesters hurled bricks and fireworks at riot police near a Dublin factory set to house asylum seekers today, with officers spraying activists with pepper spray.
Gardai clashed with hundreds of people gathered at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock as fighting exploded throughout the day.
A number of fires were started at the site after anti-immigration protesters set up a makeshift camp.
The disused building being redeveloped to house seekers, but activists today showed their opposition as photos showed a digger in flames.
Ireland’s Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she was ‘appalled’ by the scenes as incapacitant spray was used by the garda public order unit.
It was used in an attempt to disperse a crowd which had gathered close to where the makeshift anti-immigration camp had been set up.
Gardai officers deploy pepper spray at a protester today after fires were started at the former site of the Crown Paints factory in Coolock, north Dublin
A protester throws an object at Gardai officers as they deploy pepper spray in retaliation
Gardai officers stand guard next to a digger that was set alight
Fireworks thrown by protesters land at the feet of Gardai officers
Protesters fire fireworks at gardai officers during a stand off
A youngster throws a bottle towards gardai officers during a stand off with protesters
Gardai officers detain a protester at the former site of the Crown Paints factory
Gardai officers detain a protesters after a number of fires were set
Gardai public order unit officers deploy pepper spray at a protester
Gardai have charged 15 people in relation to public order incidents at a site designated to house asylum seekers in north Dublin.
They are due to appear before a special sitting of the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin on Monday evening.
The violence flared in the morning after preparations were made to start work at the disused building.
Protesters gathered, some with their faces covered, and a number of fires were set.
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.
Gardai public order unit officers deploy pepper spray at protesters
The Garda Public Order Unit as wheelie bins are set alight by protesters
A man uses a bottle of water to wash pepper spray from his eyes
Masked protesters are pictured at a stand off with gardai officers today
Protesters wore masks and balaclavas as the area filled with smoke from the digger on fire
Gardai officers detain a protester in Coolock, north Dublin today
Gardai officers detain a protester during the stand off
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’.
‘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, with officers from the Public Order Unit also in the area.
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 this evening after a call on social media for a protest to take place at 6pm.
Protesters gather at the former site of the Crown Paints factory in Coolock, north Dublin
Gardai take security measures as anti-immigration protesters gathered
Two Gardai officers detain a protester on the ground
Ireland police department Gardai arrest an anti-immigration protester
Gardai officers during a stand off with protesters after a number of fires were started
Ireland police department Gardai take security measures as anti-immigration protesters gather at a site designated for asylum seekers in Coolock
Gardai were again attacked with missiles and responded by using incapacitant spray.
A 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.
‘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.’
Ireland police department Gardai pictured with riot shield surrounded by smoke
Ireland police department Gardai arrest an anti-immigration protester on a bike
A person is detained as protesters stand off with Gardai in Dublin today
In a social media post, Ireland’s Justice Minister 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.’
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.’
Gardai gather at the site of a number of fires that were started at the former site of the factory
People look on as protesters stand off with gardai in Coolock, north Dublin
A man is detained as protesters stand off with gardai after a number of fires have been started at the former site of the Crown Paints factory
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.’
The Irish government has been struggling to manage the arrival of asylum seekers into the city of Dublin.
Hundreds of migrants are due to be housed in centres in Kerry and Westmeath, with intentions to develop the existing Thornton Hall site in Dublin, according to plans seen by the Irish Independent.
Amid growing concerns about the appearance of encampments across the city, the government has reportedly greenlit plans to set up a new International Protection Office (IPO), responsible for examining and processing applications for international protection, outside of the capital.
Ireland and the UK have been embroiled in a in recent months over the issue, with senior politicians in Dublin suggesting Britain’s Rwanda policy has caused the spike in arrivals of those ‘fearful’ of deportation to the African state
