Thousands of people have joined a protest in Coolock opposing the imposition of a centre to house hundreds of migrants in the former Crown paints warehouse on the Malahide Road.
While protests against the centre have been continuing all week, the huge crowd attending today as the protest got underway at 5pm indicating the extent of local anger at the proposal.
The Department of Integration said that it is “currently considering an offer for the use of the former Crown Paints warehouse in Coolock to accommodate International Protection applicants” – saying 500 asylum applicants might be housed in the modular units “providing mixed use accommodation for families, couples, single adult males and single adult females”.
However, local people who spoke to Gript said that they did not trust the government regarding the number of people who would be eventually placed there.
Dublin Live reported that “thousands” joined the Coolock protest, while The Burkean said the plans had sparked “outrage” in the area.
Great crowd out in Coolock. I’ll hold my breath waiting on RTE to report it. #coolocksaysno #irelandisfull pic.twitter.com/no0QT19NXh
— Lauren x (@LaurenLily1837) March 24, 2024
Coolock says no protest today #DublinLive pic.twitter.com/oN14TFyem6
— Robbie Kane (@robbiekane74) March 24, 2024
Beware the risen Irish people.
Inspiring stuff. This has to be biggest protest to date.
Fair play to everyone in Coolock. #IrelandBelongsToTheIrish #IrelandisFull pic.twitter.com/28ZlXL9jF4
— Niall O’Hara 🇮🇪 (@ThoughtsToby) March 24, 2024
Thousands are out protesting this evening against mass immigration in Coolock, Dublin
Government plans to house up to 1000 asylum seekers locally in a residential area, most likely single males, has caused outrage among locals
More footage to follow pic.twitter.com/6WtWjQfq6A
— The Burkean (@TheBurkeanIE) March 24, 2024
Easily over 1,000 here in Coolock as men on horseback led locals in protest against refugee centre.
No incidents, jovial atmosphere
A new political world forming pic.twitter.com/WeAqB7z3LB
— Thomas O'Reilly (@TOR_EuroCon) March 24, 2024
Coolock says no protestors outside Coolock Gardai Station now #DublinLive pic.twitter.com/vBOvc28xFJ
— Robbie Kane (@robbiekane74) March 24, 2024
More to follow.