DUBLIN, July 16 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A number of arrests have been made during a protest at a site which had been earmarked for asylum seekers in north Dublin, Ireland.
A large fire started after pallets and construction machinery were set alight at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock.
Work was due to begin on the Malahide Road site this week, Irish broadcaster RTÉ reports.
Gardaí (Irish police) have described it as a public order incident and the road has been closed.
Video footage circulating on social media appears to show protesters clashing with gardaí.
Three fire engines from Kilbarrack, North Strand and Finglas fire stations are in attendance, as well as a turntable ladder.
Fires ‘effort to spread fear and hate’
The Irish justice minister said she was “appalled at the criminal behaviour that took place in Coolock”.
Helen McEntee said anybody involved would face “the full rigours of the law”.
“I have spoken to the Garda commissioner and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice,”she added.
Dublin city councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha described the incident as “deplorable” and that “violence, intimidation and arson should have no place in our communities”.
“The burning of vehicles and attempted burning of the building are violent criminal acts and must be strongly condemned,” the Sinn Féin representative said.
He said the Department of Integration had said the site was being developed to accommodate families seeking international protection.
“Those responsible should desist immediately,” he added.
“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.” — NNN-AGENCIES
