By Jonathan McCambridge and Cate McCurry, PA
Updated at 21:20
Gardaí have confirmed 15 people have been charged in relation to public order incidents earlier on Monday in Dublin 17.
They are due to appear before a special sitting of the Criminal Courts of Justice this evening.
A major security operation was in place at a site in north Dublin that is due to be developed to house asylum seekers after gardaí clashed with protesters.
Hundreds of people gathered at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock on Monday and gardaí have been attacked with missiles.
Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee said she was “appalled” by the scenes which developed through the day.
Incapacitant spray was used by the garda public order unit in an attempt to disperse a crowd which had gathered close to where a makeshift anti-immigration camp had been set up.
The violence flared in the morning after preparations were made to start work at a disused building which is to be redeveloped to house asylum seekers.
Protesters gathered, some with their faces covered, and a number of fires were set. Videos and pictures posted on social media on Monday showed a digger in flames.
Workers who were to begin renovating the premises were removed from the site.
The protest camp was set up several months ago to prevent workers from renovating the premises, with people there around the clock.
Videos on social media also showed a stand-off between gardaí and protesters, while some demonstrators shouted abuse at officers.
Masked men and youths were also at the site, while a man with a megaphone told the crowd the Government is going to “change the constitution”.
He claimed ministers will “change the 39th amendment to take our private property”.
The Malahide Road is closed in both directions near the industrial park as we deal with pallets and construction machinery alight.
Three fire engines from Kilbarrack, North Strand and Finglas fire stations along with a turntable ladder are on scene. pic.twitter.com/zBzQxGZay0
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) July 15, 2024
“They are going to ask you if you have a private room and force you to put them in,” he said.
Officers from the Public Order Unit were also in the area.
The violence escalated as bricks and fireworks were thrown at Garda officers and the fire service, and bins and mattresses were set alight.
Traffic was diverted from the area and one of the city’s main arteries, the Malahide Road was closed.
Pictures from the scene showed a number of people being detained by gardaí.
A large number of people gathered on Monday evening after a call on social media for a protest to take place at 6pm.
Gardaí were again attacked with missiles and responded by using incapacitant spray.
A garda spokesman said officers remain at the scene of a “serious public order incident”.
The spokesman added: “There is a significant Garda presence in place, which includes several Garda public order units.
I am appalled at the criminal behaviour that took place in Coolock today.
I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice.
— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) July 15, 2024
“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.
“The Malahide Road at Coolock is currently closed in both directions, and local diversions are in place.
“It is the intention to re-open the Malahide Road as soon as it safe to do so.
“This operation remains ongoing.”
In a social media post, Ms McEntee said: “I am appalled at the criminal behaviour that took place in Coolock today.
“I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner (Drew Harris) and he has assured me that everything will be done to bring those responsible to justice.”
She added: “Gardai were on the scene immediately and the public order unit is on site.
“People engaged in such acts will face the full rigours of the law.”
A spokesman for the Dublin Fire Brigade said: “The Malahide Road is closed in both directions near the industrial park as we deal with pallets and construction machinery alight.
“Three fire engines from Kilbarrack, North Strand and Finglas fire stations along with a turntable ladder are on scene.”
Cllr. Mícheál Mac Donncha condemns ‘deplorable’ violent criminal acts on Malahide Road
"This is an effort to spread fear and hate in our communities and the vast majority of decent people want nothing to do with it."https://t.co/NWBcG6N7wf
— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) July 15, 2024
Sinn Féin Dublin City councillor Micheal Mac Donncha described the scenes as “deplorable”.
He said: “The burning of vehicles and attempted burning of the building are violent criminal acts and must be strongly condemned.
“Those responsible should desist immediately.
“This is an effort to spread fear and hate in our communities and the vast majority of decent people want nothing to do with it.”
