Several people have been arrested during this afternoon's disturbances at a Dublin site that is due to be developed for asylum seekers.
Large numbers of Gardaí were called in to the Crown Paints site in Coolock after the unrest began this morning.
The uniformed Garda have since started to pull back as six public order units move in on protestors.
Some protesters have thrown missiles, including bricks, at the approaching Gardaí and pepper spray has also been used.
A security guard is understood to have been injured at the site.
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The public order units have been assisted by the Garda Dog Unit, the Garda helicopter and a prison van.
Earlier Dublin Fire Brigade said construction machinery and a large of pallets had caught fire during the disturbance – and a burned-out digger can be seen on the site.
Multiple smouldering fires also remain in the area.
At the scene this afternoon, protesters could be heard shouting ‘let them beat you, let them beat you’ as the public order units moved in.
'Full rigours of the law'
In a post online, the Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she was “appalled at the criminal behaviour that took place in Coolock today”.
“I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice,” she wrote.
She said people anyone “engaged in such acts” will “face the full rigours of the law”.
I am appalled at the criminal behaviour that took place in Coolock today.
I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice.
— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) July 15, 2024
I am appalled at the criminal behaviour that took place in Coolock today.
I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice.
— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) July 15, 2024
Earlier Gardaí said the Malahide Road in Coolock was closed in both directions with local diversions in place.
A spokesperson said officers were responding to a “public order incident” adding that no further details would be released while the incident is ongoing.
More than 30 Garda vehicles were at the site at the time.
Fires
A Dublin Fire Brigade spokesperson said officers responded to reports of “a large amount of pallets and construction machinery on fire in Coolock Retail Park” at around 10.20am this morning.
He said three fire engines and a turntable ladder were sent to tackle the blazes.
“We are working closely with An Garda Síochána and firefighting operations are underway,” the spokesperson said.
A Splitscreen showing the Garda presence at the Crown Paints site in Coolock. Image: NewstalkJunior Minister for Integration Joe O'Brien told Newstalk the Crown Paints site is being prepared for international protection applicants
He said Gardaí will investigate any incidents of a criminal nature in the area.
“I know Gardaí have been well briefed about what is happening there and have been keeping a close eye on the situation,” he said.
Protests
Earlier this year, protesters including men on horseback brought part of the Malahide Road to a standstill.
The protests began in March after social media rumours suggested the Crown Paints site was earmarked for asylum seekers.
Screenshots of an email detailing plans for the former warehouse, reportedly from the Department of Integration, were circulating on social media at the time.
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With reporting from Alex Rowley.
Main image is a splitscreen showing the Garda presence at the Crown Paints site in Coolock. Image: Newstalk
