Taoiseach Simon Harris has said the need for engagement for locals and violent unrest in Coolock “can never be conflated”. 

A spokesperson for Mr Harris said there are “two distinct issues” surrounding protests in Coolock, where a site has been earmarked for asylum seekers. 

“[They] can never be conflated when it comes to migration,” they said. 

“First, violence and criminality and attacks on Gardaí, frontline workers and property which must be met with the full rigours of the law. 

“Secondly, the important issue of engaging with people in their community, providing information and trying to address issues.” 

Scenes near the Crown Paints after a fire was started in the building on Friday night after an earlier peaceful public meeting and march to the Coolock Garda Station. Image: Rolling News

Mr Harris believes “the scenes in recent days do not represent the community in Coolock”. 

“[They are] a good, decent community and working cross-party is important on this issue,” the statement said. 

The Taoiseach has met with the Minister for Integration and the Minister for Justice for a briefing on the continued protests against plans to house roughly 500 asylum seekers in the former Crown Paints site in north Dublin. 

He also had a phone with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald after she published an open letter to him urging him to take action “beyond condemnation”. 

“They had a good constructive conversation and agreed on the need for violence and attacks on the Gardaí and the Coolock site to stop and for those responsible to be brought to justice,” the spokesperson said. 

“They also discussed important issues around community engagement.” 

Fireworks and rocks being thrown at gardaí. Image: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews

There have been several protests in the area around the site in Coolock since Monday evening. 

Multiple fires have broken out at the former Crown Paints site, including three in the last three days. 

Some protesters have thrown missiles, including bricks, at the approaching Gardaí and pepper spray has also been used. 

Public order units were deployed to quell protests, using batons and spray. 

Roughly 20 protestors were arrested since unrest broke out and several Gardaí have been injured. 

Justice Minister Helen McEntee condemned the unrest in Coolock in an online post.  

"Sadly, a small minority of individuals are inciting violence and fear in an attempt to divide our communities," he wrote.  

"It cannot be tolerated. Those who engage in criminal acts will be brought to justice."