There was a fire at the Coolock site earmarked for asylum seekers last night for the third time in three days. 

The fire broke out yesterday evening at the former Crown Paints site on the Malahide Road in north Dublin. 

Dublin Fire Brigade said two fire engines attended the scene and it is understood the fire was brought under control by 11pm. 

No injuries were reported. 

This was the third fire in three days and the fifth since last Tuesday.  

The Coolock site has been the scene of multiple protests and unrest since Tuesday against plans to house asylum seekers at the property. 

Work is expected to start soon to make the site suitable for asylum seekers – but protestors have said they will not allow these migrants into the area. 

Gardaí at the scene of protests at Coolock,, Co Dublin. Image: Rolling News

Since protests began on Tuesday, several people have been injured – including three Gardaí - and roughly 20 people have been arrested. 

Public order units were deployed to Coolock, using pepper spray and batons. 

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." 

Engagement with Coolock

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald shared an open letter to the Taoiseach yesterday afternoon noting she had met with residents in Coolock. 

“The meeting was very constructive though the fear, anger and frustration felt across the community was articulated time and again,” she wrote. 

“Despite repeated Government claims to the contrary, there has in fact been no engagement with the community in Coolock in relation to the planned development at the former Crown Paint site.” 

Deputy McDonald has called for the Government to establish a process of engagement and dialogue between State departments, agencies and the community in Coolock. 

She said the Government must move “beyond condemnation”. 

Irish Times Political Correspondent Jack Horgan-Jones said yesterday that this “running conflict” is “not going anywhere”. 

Main image: Scenes near the Crown Paints former after a fire was started in the building on Friday night, 20/07/2022. Image: Rolling News