Irish PM says Dublin protests hijacked by ‘thugs’

The Irish Prime Minister said Monday’s riots in Dublin were the result of a “hijacking incident” by a group of people who carried out “an act of sheer violence”.

Simon Harris was speaking out after violence broke out during a protest at a site designated for asylum seekers.

A large fire broke out when some protesters set fire to pallets and a JCB at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, north Dublin.

Twenty-one people were arrested and charged, with 15 appearing in court Monday night and a further six appearing in court Tuesday afternoon.

The 15 people who appeared in court on Monday were charged with breaches of the peace including failing to comply with the orders of a police officer and threatening or abusive behaviour.

All 15 were given conditional bail on condition they stay away from the scene of the disturbance.

They are all due to appear in court again on September 18.

The six who appeared in court on Tuesday were charged with breach of the peace offences, including using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and failing to comply with the directions of a police officer.

They were released on conditional bail on condition they stay away from the scene of the disturbance, and some of the accused have also been instructed to stay away from Coolock Police Station.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, Harris praised officers for their “swift action” in handling the incident.

The facility in Coolock, north Dublin, was intended to be a centre for asylum seekers.

Work on the Malahide Road side was due to start later this week.

Protesters rallied at the site on Monday after machinery and pallets were set ablaze, sparking a major blaze.

More than 200 police officers were deployed to the scene of the incident.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported that three police vehicles were damaged, including one set on fire.

Police used pepper spray to ensure security, and several officers were injured in clashes with protesters.

During the unrest, petrol bombs and fireworks were thrown, a mattress was set alight, a JCB was damaged and a fire was set in the road.

Police described the disturbance as a peacekeeping incident and the road was temporarily closed.

Officers “were subjected to both verbal and physical abuse throughout the day, which escalated to the point where rocks, fireworks and other objects were thrown at officers,” they said.

“Several fires were broken out and a police vehicle sustained significant damage,” the spokesman said.

Ireland’s Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the incident was completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

She added that she expected further arrests would be made and that plans to receive asylum seekers would continue.