15 charged after 'reprehensible' disorder at Coolock site earmarked for asylum seekers

Both the Taoiseach and the Justice Minister have condemned the incidents in Coolock.

Demonstrators have hurled rocks and fireworks at gardaí throughout the day, while pepper spray has been used by gardaí responding to the incidents.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said that the scenes were “reprehensible”.

“No person has a right to burn cars, damage property, or attack members of An Garda Siochana and emergency services,” Mr Harris said.

“These actions are criminal and are designed to sow fear and division. We should not accept them being legitimised in any way by describing them as 'protest'.” 

The Taoiseach added that he has been briefed by Justice Minister Helen McEntee throughout the day, saying that “the law will be implemented”.

“I want to thank An Garda Siochána, who have come under attack today. They have shown extraordinary professionalism.

He added: “A security guard was attacked for simply doing his job. He and his family are in my thoughts and I hope he makes a speedy recovery.”

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she was appalled at the "violent scenes"

This is thuggish criminal behaviour and has no place in our society.

"The Garda Commissioner has kept me updated throughout the day and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice.

"Arson and assaults are reprehensible and serious crimes. They will be fully investigated and those involved will be held to account for their actions.

"This is not protest. What we have seen today does not represent the decent communities of Coolock and surrounding areas.

"Gardaí will continue to manage the situation and support the community."

Gardaí have said the Malahide Road is closed in both directions and will only be re-opened “as soon as it is safe to do so”.

Earlier, a number of fires were started at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, where a makeshift camp has been set up by anti-immigration protesters.

The protesters object to the disused building being redeveloped to house asylum seekers.

The makeshift protest camp, set up by far-right group ‘Coolock Says No’, has been blocking the entrance for a number of months. That camp appears to have been cleared overnight, sparking an angry response from anti-immigrant protesters.

A number of people were arrested at the protest after the public order unit arrived on site just after lunchtime. Rocks were thrown at gardaí as well as cans and bottles when the public order unit moved in to dispel the crowd just after 2pm.

Protesters were pepper sprayed and wrestled to the ground in chaotic scenes on the Malahide Road with hundreds of people still at the scene. 

Up to 20 public order unit vans lined the streets as gardaí held up shields against the crowds. The Garda helicopter was also at the scene.

Earlier, a digger and a mattress were set on fire and at least one person was taken away by emergency services after receiving some sort of injury.

A number of videos record people cheering and jeering as an injured person was removed on a stretcher by emergency services, with some voices shouting 'get them out' — a common refrain at protests outside asylum centres.

People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy posted on X: "This is the most horrifying of all the videos from Coolock this morning. Someone seriously injured as a result of the arson attack and being jeered while brought to ambulance." 

Another video circulating online appears to record the scene before the JCB was set on fire. It shows a number of men, many with their faces covered, taking property from the site.

The audio records one voice saying "The digger is worth 60 grand". A voice says “we need petrol”. A separate voice says: “Yeah, the digger is lighting”.

A Garda statement said: "Gardaí remain at the scene of a serious public order incident at a premises on the Malahide Road, Dublin 17, today, Monday 15th July 2024.

"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."

Three fire engines from Kilbarrack, North Strand and Finglas stations are currently at the scene with a turntable ladder.

Dublin Fire Brigade added that the Malahide Road is closed in both directions, near the industrial park as they deal "with pallets and construction machinery alight."

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: "People engaged in such acts will face the full rigours of the law."

In a post on X, she said: "I am appalled at the criminal behaviour that took place in Coolock today."

"I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice.

"Gardaí were on the scene immediately and the public order unit is onsite. People engaged in such acts will face the full rigours of the law."

The Department of Integration condemned “all acts of criminality and intimidation of providers and their employees”.

The spokesperson added that work was due to get underway at the site earlier today following months of delays due to protests at the site entrance.

“The Department is working with communities to find suitable places for people to stay while their applications for international protection are processed,” the spokesperson said.

“The Department’s Community Engagement Team has engaged with local public representatives in relation to the site at Coolock.” 

It is estimated that up to 550 people could be accommodated on the site, but that international protection applicants would arrive on a phased basis.