Harris: Attacks on Garda at a location intended for asylum seekers reprehensible

Taoiseach Simon Harris has described serious unrest at a site used to accommodate asylum seekers in north Dublin as “reprehensible”.

A large-scale security operation continues after clashes between Gardai and protesters at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock.

On Monday, many people gathered at the location and the Gardai were attacked several times with rockets.

Several police cars were damaged and one was set on fire.

Fifteen people have been charged with public order offences and are due to appear before a special sitting of the Criminal Court in Dublin on Monday evening.

Mr Harris said: “The scenes we have witnessed in Coolock today are reprehensible.

“The Minister for Justice (Helen McEntee) has been briefing me throughout the day and the law is being implemented.

“No one has the right to set fire to cars, damage property or attack members of An Garda Siochana and emergency services.

“These actions are criminal and aim to sow fear and division.”

He added: “We should not accept that they are in any way legitimized by calling them ‘protest’.”

“I would like to thank the Garda Siochana who were attacked today. They showed extraordinary professionalism.

“A security guard was attacked for simply doing his job. He and his family are in my thoughts and I hope he recovers quickly.”

Ms McEntee said she was “horrified” by the scenes that unfolded throughout the day.

The Garda police attempted to disperse a crowd that had gathered near a makeshift anti-immigration camp using a tranquilizer spray.

The violence flared up in the morning after preparations were made for work on an unused building that is to be converted to house asylum seekers.

Protesters gathered, some with their faces covered, and several fires were set. Videos and images posted on social media on Monday showed a burning excavator.

Workers who were supposed to start renovating the premises were removed from the construction site.

The protest camp was set up several months ago to prevent workers from carrying out renovation work on the site; people were there around the clock.

Videos on social media also showed a standoff between police and protesters, with some demonstrators shouting insults at officers.

Dozens of Gardai formed a line to prevent the protesters from entering.

Officers from the Public Order Unit and the Garda helicopter were also on site.

The violence escalated as bricks and fireworks were thrown at Garda officers and firefighters, and rubbish bins and mattresses were set on fire.

Traffic was diverted from the area and one of the city’s main arteries, Malahide Road, was closed.

Pictures from the crime scene showed several people being arrested by the Gardai.

A larger number of people gathered on Monday evening after a call for a protest rally at 6 p.m. was made on social media.

The Gardai were again attacked with rockets and responded by using tranquilizer spray.

A Garda car was set on fire and two buses surrounded as protesters marched towards Coolock Garda station.

A Garda spokesman said officers were still at the scene of a “serious public order offence”.

The spokesman added: “There is a significant Garda presence on site, including several Garda public order units.

“Several people have been arrested and are currently detained at Garda stations in Dublin under 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.

“The intention is to reopen Malahide Road as soon as it is safe to do so.

“This operation is still ongoing.”

Ms McEntee said: “I am appalled by the scenes of violence in Coolock today. This is brutal criminal behaviour and has no place in our society.”

“The Garda Commissioner (Drew Harris) has kept me updated throughout the day and assured me that everything is being done to bring those responsible to justice.”

Ms McEntee added: “Law enforcement officers and regular Garda members were deployed in large numbers today. Fifteen people were arrested and will appear in court this evening.”

“Arson and assault are reprehensible and serious crimes. They will be fully investigated and those involved will be held accountable for their actions.”

“This is not a protest. What we have seen today is not representative of the decent communities of Coolock and the surrounding area.”

“Gardai will continue to monitor the situation and support the community.”

A Dublin Fire Service spokesman said: “The Malahide Road is closed in both directions near the industrial park as we are dealing with burning pallets and construction equipment.”

“Three fire engines from Kilbarrack, North Strand and Finglas fire stations and a turntable ladder are on site.”

A Department of Integration spokesman said: “This morning a vendor attempted to start work on the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock to use it as accommodation for people seeking international protection.

“No applicants for international protection should be accommodated today as the work is expected to take several weeks.

“Protests at the entrance to this construction site have delayed the start of work on this site by several months.

“The ministry condemns any criminal act and intimidation of providers and their employees.”

Micheal Mac Donncha, Sinn Féin councillor in Dublin, described the scenes as “regrettable”.

He said: “The setting fire to the vehicles and the attempted arson of the building are violent crimes and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”

“Those responsible should stop this immediately.

“This is an attempt to spread fear and hatred in our communities and the vast majority of decent people want nothing to do with it.”