Authorities are worried that the volatile condition surrounding a north Dublin location designated for international protection applicants (IPAs) will persist, with a danger of further outbreaks of violence. This is particularly probable when attempts are renewed to transport workers and construction materials into the site.
Police have been keeping an eye on several far-right instigators, including a high-profile individual, due to suspicion of their involvement in promoting violence. Continuous surveillance is being conducted on the protest site in Coolock, with an increased presence of public order unit personnel retained in the area on Wednesday. However, the extensive police operation of Monday and Tuesday was not apparent.
Even though a team of approximately 40 to 50 individuals stayed at the former Crown Paints factory on Malahide Road, Coolock, for the majority of Wednesday, there were no significant events that warranted the public order response of the last two days.
Coolock remains highly tense, with apprehension of possible fresh violence at the site intended for asylum-seeker accommodation. Post two days of unrest, police sources have suggested that the conversion of the former paint facility into IPA accommodation will continue to be fraught with difficulties.
After early Monday’s eviction of a protest camp from the site entrance, concrete barriers 3m high have secured the site. The police remain troubled by the likelihood of another arson attack on the site, after an excavator was destroyed by petrol bombs early Monday morning.
Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Integration, has asserted that his department’s comprehensive accommodation plan for asylum seekers is “successfully being implemented through diverse methods”. This includes the use of state-owned lands and pitching for large buildings which can be “redesigned”.
He steadfastly maintained that the proposal to provide accommodation for up to 500 asylum seekers at the old Crown Paints site would proceed in spite of confrontations leading to the detention of 30 individuals on Monday and Tuesday. Earlier this year, he asserted that his department had maintained active communication with local representatives and community organisations. “I acknowledge there have been accusations of insufficient engagement in the past, but I refute that claim in this context. We initiated dialogue early on, furnished substantial information and pledge to maintain this communication.”
Beyond the story procured in Coolock that the far-right exaggerated fears due to a lack of clearer information, the Government has earmarked more than 30 additional large structures intended to serve as lodgings for refugees. These buildings, largely spacious commercial or business facilities, were shortlisted after an initial evaluation of nearly 70 projects that were suggested in response to a call for interest in providing such accommodations.