Coolock anti-immigration violence is entirely unacceptable - The Irish News view

The scenes witnessed at Coolock in north Dublin over recent days are deeply alarming in every respect and demand a focused response from the authorities at a number of levels.

It is entirely unacceptable that a mob could gather outside a proposed accommodation site for refugees, and engage in sustained violence which left a private security guard hospitalised and also damaged property in the area.

Garda officers were threatened, two of their cars were attacked and a digger was set on fire, with petrol bombs and other missiles thrown during particularly serious disorder on Monday evening.

At least 19 arrests were made, with late night court sittings following swiftly, and the entrance to the former Crown Paints factory was sealed off with large concrete barriers yesterday after the Malahide Road, one of the main arterial routes into the city centre, had to be closed to traffic.

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Low level protests had been taking place beside the large disused complex for some months since the Department of Integration announced plans to convert it into a development for an estimated 550 people who have applied to join what is known as the International Protection (IP) scheme.

There have been claims that there was a lack of consultation with nearby residents but the taoiseach, Simon Harris, was fully entitled to declare yesterday that no amount of community engagement could have prevented Monday’s disgraceful confrontations.

Tensions have been steadily growing over issues linked to asylum seekers, with previous disturbances in different urban and even rural areas, and it is clear that the wider debate has been influenced by regular misinformation on social media and fuelled by far right elements.

However, it should be acknowledged that ordinary citizens have a right to know what is happening in their own districts and, using democratic structures, to make their voice heard if they have valid concerns.

It will be noted that elected representatives, from Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats and independent groups, have put forward a motion to a Dublin City Council committee, condemning the violence but saying that the situation had been mishandled by state organisations.

Tensions have been steadily growing over issues linked to asylum seekers, with previous disturbances in different urban and even rural areas, and it is clear that the wider debate has been influenced by regular misinformation on social media and fuelled by far right elements

What is essential is that all sides take a calm approach and facilitate responsible discussions about what has been happening in Coolock and elsewhere.

Those who are applying for IP support after arriving in Ireland are caught up in a worldwide crisis of enormous proportions which is only going to escalate for many years to come.

They deserve to be treated with respect and tolerance, and frank and open dialogue about the structures which will be required must also be encouraged at all times.