Protests Erupt Over Proposed Refugee Centre in Coolock
Dublin: Local residents staged a massive march from the proposed refugee centre to the Garda station in protest of Garda intervention in Coolock. Hundreds of people gathered in front of the Garda station yesterday evening, supported by a large Garda presence. Following a peaceful rally by approximately one thousand local residents, a protest letter was submitted to the authorities.
Escalation of Violence
After the peaceful protest dispersed, a fire broke out again on the factory premises. Dublin Fire Brigade quickly extinguished the blaze, but a section of the crowd turned violent, according to Gardaí. Protesters threw stones, rocks, and sticks at the Gardaí, resulting in injuries to three officers who are currently receiving medical treatment. Several arrests have been made in connection with the violence. The Coolock area remains tense and conflicted.
Garda Response
Gardaí used pepper spray and batons to disperse the protesters. A section of Malahide Road, which was temporarily closed to traffic, has since been reopened. The Gardaí have issued a reminder to be cautious of false propaganda circulating on social media regarding the events in Coolock, urging people to seek out the truth.
RTE broadcaster Neil Boylan noted that the majority of yesterday’s protesters were “gentle and genuine members of society” with legitimate concerns. Boylan, speaking on X, attributed the unrest to the chaotic immigration system and the government’s lack of communication with working-class communities across the country. He emphasised that many living at taxpayer expense are not genuine asylum seekers and should be deported. Boylan called on the government to prioritise the concerns and needs of its citizens.
Additional Incidents
Simultaneously, fires broke out in Limerick and Donegal, sparking protests in several areas, including Shankill, where refugees reside. All these incidents are under investigation by the Gardaí.
A fire erupted last night in a building used for student accommodation in Limerick City. This historic three-story building, located adjacent to the bus-railway station of Treaty City, was brought under control by firefighters. In Donegal, machinery was gutted by a fire at a site in Convoy early Thursday morning. Both incidents are being thoroughly investigated.
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