Coolock disorder will have no impact on asylum seeker housing plans - McEntee

Yesterday’s violent scenes in Coolock will not have any impact on plans to house asylum seekers in a disused factory in the area, the Justice Minister has said.

Some 19 people were arrested after a day of violence and disorder in North Dublin yesterday – and Minister Helen McEntee says she expects to see more arrests in the coming days.

The unrest began when a protest outside a former factory that has been earmarked for asylum-seeker accommodation turned violent.

Over 200 Gardaí were deployed to the area throughout the day – including Public Order units, the Air Support Unit and the Dog Unit.

A security guard and several Gardaí were injured with rocks, fireworks and other objects thrown at them as the violence escalated.

Several Garda cars were seriously damaged during the disorder – with videos posted to social media showing people jumping on top of them and attempting to smash windows.

Speaking this morning, Minister McEntee said Gardaí were wearing body cams while responding – with the footage to be used as evidence in the coming weeks.

“Yesterday’s scenes were completely unacceptable and really will not be tolerated,” she said.

“Gardaí responded quickly and in force and I want to commend members of An Garda Síochána for the way in which they did respond.

“It is completely unacceptable that any person, be it a member of An Garda Síochána or security personnel, that they would be attacked when going about their business.

“Importantly, body cameras were used yesterday and will be part of the evidence in the coming weeks and months.

“This is not legitimate protest. This is criminal behaviour and activity and it will be treated as such.”

Minister McEntee said the violence will ‘absolutely not’ impact on plans to house asylum seekers at the former Crown Paints factory in the area.

“The plans will continue as set out,” she said.

“It is so important that we can provide accommodation to men, women and children who are fleeing extremely difficult circumstances.

“We have an obligation to provide international protection.

“It will be done in consultation with the communities and I have to stress this point.

“This does not reflect the communities in Coolock, so many of whom have been extremely welcoming to so many who need our support and our help.

“This is unacceptable behaviour. Communications cannot be used as an excuse for these types of violent scenes.”

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