A demonstration, intensified by the presence of horse-riding participants, resulted in considerable disorder in the traffic flow on Wednesday night in Coolock, Dublin. The Malahide Road at the intersection with Greencastle Road became obstructed by the protestors, leading to an enforced halting of drivers for an extended period exceeding half an hour. The disruption stemmed from a widely distributed email alleged to originate from the Department of Integration. The email in question implied plans for immigrant accommodation in the vicinity.
The afternoon was coming to an end when men mounted on horses entered the protest, first staying at the back, but later moving through and along the Malahide Road. Their actions further compounded the traffic delay originating from the city centre.
Law enforcement closed off certain areas of the road, rerouting the city centre’s inbound and outbound traffic. The riot unit was ready at the location for any necessary intervention. The demonstration originated from a nearby former industrial site, which was rumoured to be a potential living place for a thousand asylum seekers.
This day marked the third consecutive day of protests at this location. An alleged email from the Department of Integration was making rounds on social media. The email apparently advised local authorities about a proposal concerning the prior factory’s use.
According to the email, the plan involves the installation of modular units inside the former factory to serve as a shared living space for a diverse range of occupants, including families, couples, and single individuals of both genders. The email suggested the gradual lodgement of international protection applicants, with a potential total of 500 inhabitants at the site.
The legitimacy of both the site and the email has been questioned, and the Department of Integration has been approached for clarification.
As the night progressed, about 50 protestors assembled again on the major road in front of the factory. The horse-riding participants withdrew from the venue soon after traffic diversions were imposed, while traffic continues to be redirected from the cordoned-off streets. There have been no arrests or incidents reported according to the local law enforcement media team.