Harris condemns violent scenes as Gardai attack anti-immigration protest

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has condemned “unacceptable” scenes as violence erupted at a disused factory being used as accommodation for asylum seekers in north Dublin and his officers came under sustained attacks.

Mr Harris said it had been a “difficult day for policing”, while Taoiseach Simon Harris described the scenes at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock as “reprehensible”.

Fifteen people, thirteen men and two women, appeared before the Criminal Court in an overnight session on Monday and were charged with various violations of public order.

Four more people were arrested.

During the riots, several Garda vehicles were damaged and Garda officers used a spray to stun anti-immigration protesters who had thrown projectiles at them.

On Monday, protesters attempted to march away from the factory towards Coolock Garda station, but were then dispersed.

The area is now quiet after a large number of protesters gathered there earlier in the day and Gardai fired rockets at them several times.

Garda Commissioner Harris said in Dublin: “This has been a difficult day for us in dealing with the serious public disturbances surrounding the Crown Paints factory.”

He added: “What we saw today was truly unacceptable.

“Fifteen people have already been charged, and more charges will be filed overnight.

“In addition, there were serious disturbances, attacks on the police, damage to property and serious breaches of public order throughout the day.

“All of these cases are being investigated.”

Mr Harris said nearly 200 Gardai were involved in quelling the disturbances.

“The law enforcement agencies reacted. They made operational decisions regarding the deployment, the assessment of the situation and the subsequent ensuring that our deployment was proportionate.

“We have requested additional law enforcement personnel to support the additional unit.

“We had nearly 200 Gardai deployed, both law enforcement and uniformed officers, and that was enough given the unrest we were facing.”

Taoiseach Simon 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.”

The Garda force used a tranquilizer spray to disperse a crowd gathered near a makeshift anti-immigration camp.

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 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 for several hours.

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 Gardai spokesman said officers would remain at the scene overnight.

The spokesman added: “Over 200 members of An Garda Siochana were deployed in the operation, including uniformed frontline Gardai, supported by public order Gardai.

“The Gardai were subjected to verbal and physical attacks throughout the day, which culminated in stones, fireworks and other objects being thrown at them.

“Several fires were set and official Garda vehicles were badly damaged.

“As the situation escalated, members of An Garda Siochana used force in self-defence as part of an intensified response to the situation.

“Assistance was provided by members of the Garda Siochana law enforcement unit and the Garda air support unit.

“The use of force included the use of a stun spray and the deployment of law enforcement officers with helmets and shields.

“The Garda Siochana is not currently aware of any injuries.”

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.

“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 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.”