Protests and scenes in north Dublin at a site due to be developed for asylum seekers are 'lawlessness', The Hard Shoulder presenter Kieran Cuddihy has said.

It comes as a number of people have been arrested during violent scenes in Coolock at a site which is due to house International Protection applicants.

The Garda Public Order Unit is at the scene and officers used pepper spray after coming under attack.

A security officer was injured earlier and was taken to hospital.

Gardaí are seen during protests at the site of the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock in north Dublin, 15-7-24. Image: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie

Some protesters threw missiles, including bricks, at approaching Gardaí. Fires were also lit around the former Crown Paints site.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said those involved in the disturbances will face the "full rigours of the law".

The Hard Shoulder presenter Kieran Cuddihy said he believes the protests are separate to concerns around International Protection applicants.

"It strikes me there are two separate issues - they are related but I think they're separate," he said.

Gardaí are seen during protests at the site of the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock in north Dublin, 15-7-24. Image: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie

"There is the issue around International Protection applicants and where they're housed and concerns local communities might have.

"But what we had for a period of time today on the streets in Coolock - on that street, on that road, one of the main thoroughfares into our capital city - was effectively lawlessness as well."

 

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Kieran said such scenes are an 'affront' to all of us.

"Gangs of young lads firing misses, stones and rocks and sticks at members of the Gardaí while others set fire to private property that is lawlessness however you want to describe it," he said.

"It's an affront not just to the Gardaí but to amblance services who were at the scene today, to members of the Dublin Fire Brigade who were at the scene today - to all of us listening," he added.

 

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Gardaí say the Malahide Road at Coolock is closed in both directions and local diversions are in place.

Main image: Split-screen image shows Kieran Cuddihy presenting The Hard Shoulder and Gardaí during protests at the site of the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock in north Dublin