Several people have been arrested amidst a violent far-right protest in the north Dublin suburb of Coolock, with fires being set and members of emergency services coming under attack.
The protest began in response to members of the police force clearing a right-wing encampment in the area. The encampment had been established in protest of proposals for asylum seekers to be housed at the location.
A large Garda presence, including public order units, is currently responding to the incident.
Footage from the scene shows members of the police force instructing protestors to move on from the site. In a statement to Trinity News, An Garda Síochána said that “several people have been arrested, and are currently in custody at Garda stations in Dublin, pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.”
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has said she is “appalled at the criminal behaviour” in Coolock.
“I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice.” McEntee said in a post on X/Twitter.
Information surrounding the number of arrests and injuries which have taken place remain unclear. Ambulances have been seen at the scene with paramedics using stretchers in an attempt to assist injured parties.
Dublin Fire Brigade has responded to reports of bins as well as industrial construction vehicles behind set alight. Gardaí have reported having missiles thrown at them and have used pepper spray in response to the violence.
Speaking on the ongoing incident a spokesperson for Dublin Fire Brigade said: “We are working closely with An Garda Síochána and firefighting operations are under way.”
Substantial traffic disruptions are expected across the city with parts of the Malahide Road, a main access point in and out of the city, having been blocked as a result of the incident.
Speaking on this disruption, as of 6pm, the Garda Press Office told Trinity News that the Malahide Road is closed in both directions with diversions in place. The statement added that the road is intended to reopen “as soon as it is safe to do so”.
The Garda Press Office concluded, saying that the operation remains ongoing and updates will be released in due course.
