Irish PM condemns ‘reprehensible’ Dublin violence
Fifteen individuals appeared before a special court session in Dublin following disturbances at a location designated for asylum seekers. During a protest at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, north Dublin, some demonstrators ignited pallets and construction machinery, causing a significant fire. Work at the Malahide Road site was scheduled to commence later in the week.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris condemned the events as “reprehensible.” The 15 individuals faced charges in Dublin District Court on Monday evening, including public order offenses such as non-compliance with police orders and threatening or abusive behavior. They were all released on conditional bail with instructions to avoid returning to the scene of the incident.
These individuals are scheduled to appear in court again on September 18th. Additionally, four others who were arrested are set to appear in court on Tuesday morning. Over 200 police officers (gardaí) responded to the incident.
Three Garda cars were been damaged, one of which was set on fire, Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported.
It said pepper spray was used by police as a security guard and several gardaí were injured during clashes with protesters.
Petrol bombs and fireworks were thrown, mattresses were set on fire damaging a JCB, and fires were lit on the roads during the disturbances.
Gardaí described the disturbances as a public order incident and the road was closed for a period.
They said officers were “subjected to both verbal and physical abuse throughout the day, which escalated into rocks, fireworks, and other objects being launched towards them”.
“Several fires were lit and official Garda vehicles seriously damaged,” a spokesperson said.
“As the situation intensified, members of An Garda Síochána used force to defend themselves as part of an escalated response to the situation.”
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: it had been a difficult day for his officers and condemned what happened.
“We have seen attacks on gardaí, criminal damage, and offenses of serious public disorder,” he said.
“All of these will be fully investigated. We have 15 people charged and we will have further charges overnight.”
The Irish justice minister said she was “appalled at the criminal behavior that took place in Coolock”.
Helen McEntee said anybody involved would face “the full rigors of the law”.
Dublin city councilor Mícheál Mac Donncha described the incident as “deplorable” and that “violence, intimidation, and arson should have no place in our communities”.
“The burning of vehicles and attempted burning of the building are violent criminal acts and must be strongly condemned,” the Sinn Féin representative said.
He said the Department of Integration had said the site was being developed to accommodate families seeking international protection.
“Those responsible should desist immediately,” he added.
“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.”
