Arrests after protesters clash with Gardai at site earmarked for asylum seekers

A number of arrests have been made after Gardai clashed with anti-immigration protesters at a site in north Dublin that is due to be developed to house asylum seekers.

Gardai and fire service personnel came under attack with missiles at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, where a makeshift camp had been set up.

Incapacitant spray has been used by the garda public order unit in an attempt to disperse a crowd which has gathered.

Workers who were due to begin renovating the premises were removed from the site.

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It followed the setting of a number of fires at the location. Videos and pictures posted on social media on Monday showed a digger in flames.

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

Ireland’s Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said she was “appalled” by the scenes.

The protest camp was set up several months ago to prevent workers from renovating the premises, with people in attendance around the clock.

Videos on social media also showed a stand-off between gardai and protesters, while some demonstrators were seen shouting abuse at officers.

Masked men and youths were also seen at the site, while a man with a megaphone told the crowd the Government is going to “change the constitution”.

He claimed ministers will “change the 39th amendment to take our private property”.

“They are going to ask you if you have a private room and force you to put them in,” he said.

Dozens of gardai attended the site and formed a line to bar access to protesters.

Officers from the Public Order Unit were also in the area.

Violence flared as bricks and fireworks were thrown at Garda officers and the fire service and a bin was set alight.

Pictures from the scene show a number of people being detained by Gardai.

In a social media post, Ms McEntee said: “I am appalled at the criminal behaviour that took place in Coolock today.

“I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner (Drew Harris) and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice.”

She added: “Gardai 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.”

A garda spokesman said: “Gardai are currently at the scene of a public order incident at a premises on the Malahide Road, Dublin 17, this morning.

“The Malahide Road is currently closed and diversions are in place.

“As this is an ongoing incident, An Garda Siochana has no further details at this time.”

Dublin Fire Brigade said: “The Malahide Road is closed in both directions near the industrial park as we deal with pallets and construction machinery alight.

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

Sinn Fein Dublin City Councillor Micheal Mac Donncha described the scenes as “deplorable”.

He said: “The burning of vehicles and attempted burning of the building are violent criminal acts and must be strongly condemned.

“Those responsible should desist immediately.

“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.”