A significant fire broke out this morning at a site in Coolock, north Dublin, designated for asylum seeker accommodation. The blaze, which began near a makeshift camp established by anti-immigration protesters, destroyed a JCB digger being used to dismantle the camp and subsequently spread to other areas.
The protesters had set up the camp several months ago on private grounds outside the old Crown Paints warehouse on the Malahide Road, aiming to block renovations intended to convert the property into housing for asylum seekers. Efforts to dismantle the camp this morning led to a tense standoff between protesters and Gardaí.
Dublin Fire Brigade deployed three fire engines from different stations and a turntable ladder to control the fire, which involved construction machinery and pallets. “We are working closely with An Garda Síochána and firefighting operations are underway,” said a spokesperson for Dublin Fire Brigade.
At least one person, believed to be a security guard for the site, was injured during the incident. Video footage shows a man in a tracksuit striking another man in a high-visibility jacket. Another video captures paramedics transporting an injured individual on a stretcher to an ambulance.
Gardaí confirmed their presence at the scene, describing it as a “public order incident.” The Malahide Road is currently closed, with diversions in place. A Garda spokeswoman stated, “As this is an ongoing incident, An Garda Síochána has no further details at this time.”
Social media videos show protesters hurling abuse at Gardaí and a small group of men alleged to be asylum seekers. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.
The Department of Children and Equality had previously announced plans to use the site to accommodate approximately 550 people, including families, couples, single adult males, and single adult females.
In the Seanad, Independent Senator Frances Black condemned the harassment and assault of asylum seekers as racist. Fianna Fáil Senator and Seanad leader Lisa Chambers described the alleged arson as “shocking” and “despicable,” emphasizing that criminal behavior must not become normalized in the country. She expressed confidence that Gardaí would work to bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
This incident highlights the prominent issue in Irish society of local communities rejecting government’s policies of housing asylum seekers in smaller towns.
