Three Gardaí have been injured and one man has been arrested following a disturbance and fire in Coolock. 

Gardaí and Dublin Fire Brigade responded to a public order incident and a small fire in Coolock last night. 

The Garda Public Order Unit attended the scene at the former Crown Paints site on the Malahide Road with helmets and shields. 

A large crowd once again gathered for a protest over plans to accommodate asylum seekers at the site. 

Gardaí said this protest passed off peacefully – but shortly after a public order incident took place. 

They attempted to de-escalate the situation but were “subjected to verbal and physical abuse” including rocks, concrete bricks and other objects being thrown at them. 

A small fire which had also broken out at the same location during this incident was attended to and contained by Dublin Fire Brigade. 

Gardaí said they were “required to use force to defend themselves”, including the use of batons and spray. 

One man in his 20s was arrested and brought to a Garda Station in Dublin for public order offences. 

Three members of An Garda Síochána have been injured, while one member has been transferred to the hospital tonight for treatment of their facial injuries. 

A section of the Malahide Road, Coolock which was closed for a period has now fully reopened to motorists. 

Protestors wear face coverings in Coolock today. Image: Photo: © RollingNews.ie

There has been increased tensions since protests earlier this week which saw violent scenes at a site which is due to house International Protection applicants. 

Justice Minister Helen McEntee condemned yesterday's unrest in a post online.

"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."