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Dublin: Irish Prime Minister condemns ‘reprehensible’ violence at protest

Theo

Image description, A total of 19 people were arrested during the riots.

Fifteen people appeared before a special court in Dublin after violence broke out during a protest at a site designated for asylum seekers.

Some protesters set fire to pallets and construction equipment at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, north Dublin, causing a major fire.

It is expected that work on the Malahide Road site should begin later this week.

Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Simon Harris described the unrest as “reprehensible”.

The 15 people who appeared before Dublin District Court on Monday evening were charged with misdemeanors, including failing to comply with the instructions of a Garda (police officer) and threatening or abusive behaviour.

All 15 were released on bail on condition that they stay away from the scene of the unrest.

They all have to appear in court again on September 18.

Four more detainees must appear in court on Tuesday morning.

More than 200 Gardaí were dispatched to the incident.

Three Garda vehicles were damaged, one of them set on fire, Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported.

It was reported that police used pepper spray as security guards and several gardaí were injured in clashes with protesters.

During the riots, petrol bombs and fireworks were thrown, mattresses were set on fire, a JCB was damaged, and fires were set in the streets.

The Gardaí described the unrest as a breach of public order and temporarily closed the road.

They said officers were “subjected to verbal and physical attacks throughout the day, culminating in stones, fireworks and other objects being thrown at them.”

“Several fires were set and official Garda vehicles were badly damaged,” a spokesman said.

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

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said it had been a difficult day for his officers and condemned the incident.

“We have seen attacks on the Gardaí, damage to property and serious breaches of public order,” he said.

“All of these cases are being fully investigated. Fifteen people have been charged and more charges will be filed overnight.”

“Attempt to spread fear and hatred”

Image description, A large crowd gathered at the Coolock site in north Dublin

Ireland’s Justice Minister said she was “appalled by the criminal conduct that took place in Coolock”.

Helen McEntee said everyone involved would face “the full force of the law.”

Image description, Fires were lit at the protest site

Dublin City Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha described the incident as “regrettable” and said “violence, intimidation and arson should have no place in our communities”.

“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,” said the Sinn Féin representative.

He said the Ministry of Integration had stated that the site would be developed to accommodate families seeking international protection.

“Those responsible should stop this immediately,” he added.

“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.”

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