Condemning the protests in Coolock is “not going to sort out” continued unrest in the community, according to Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald.
There have been multiple protests in the past week at the former Crown Paints in north Dublin which has been earmarked for asylum seekers.
Several fires have broken out at the property while multiple Gardaí have been injured.
Today, Gardaí said they seized multiple incendiary devices from the area near the protests last week, including suspected petrol bombs.
Deputy McDonald told The Hard Shoulder she witnessed the violence “with a very heavy heart”.
“Let me be clear – the violence and those perpetrating it are to absolutely be condemned,” she said.
“It is important to face down anyone who engages in that criminal behaviour.
“But condemnation is not going to sort this out.”
Protestors wear face coverings in Coolock today. Image: Photo: © RollingNews.ieDeputy McDonald said some people from the wider Coolock community protesting have “a real sense of anger” and “betrayal”.
“[Coolock] is a proud community,” she said. “This is a community only a short number of weeks ago that after 43 years got an apology for the loss of 48 lives in the Stardust tragedy.
“This is a resilient community – it is also a community that has been left behind for generations.”
She said she met with an “interesting cross-section” of the community – and many simply want to be heard.
“[They are saying] we are not a mob, we are not far-right lunatics,” she said.
“In a scenario where resources are stretched so tight... that they hear news of newcomers coming to the community and think, ‘God, how do we cater for that’.”
'Listening' to Coolock
Ms McDonald said the Government needs to “listen to and respond to that experience” of Coolock locals.
“This is not about pandering to anything – pandering to racism, pandering to hate,” she said.
“I would not do that for anything in this world because it’s very dangerous.
“But let me say it is equally dangerous and debilitating not to listen to the real experience of marginalised and pooper communities on the ground.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said people cannot equate the concerns of locals with violent protests.
Locals in Coolock, however, have claimed there was no proper consultation before it was decided to house asylum seekers in the area.
Gardaí respond to the violent unrest in Coolock. Image: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNewsMs McDonald said it is “too convenient” for someone to suggest a dialogue would only lead to locals “veto-ing” the plan.
“Had I been the decision maker at the very beginning of the process, I would have insisted on a structured engagement and dialogue with the community,” she said.
“I would have come in knowing full well that where you put a new facility with new people, you have to assist the community in transition.
“And you have to meet any of the service and resource shortfalls that is happening.”
She also said the only way you deal with “irrational and offensive” opinions is to face them head-on and discuss them – and prevent opinions from turning into violence.
