The site of a new asylum centre is Coolock, County Dublin is in flames this evening.
Flames can be seen billowing from the former Crown Paints facility on the Malahide Road.
Protests have been ongoing for several months in opposition to the establishment of a centre to house international protection applicants.
Two fire engines are on scene at a fire in the former Crown paints building in #Coolock.
The fire in a lobby area has been contained and we expect firefighting operations to be wound down soon. pic.twitter.com/d8GfRBpxoe
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) July 18, 2024
A Garda spokesperson said,
“Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of an incident in which a fire has broken out at a premises on the Malahide Road, Coolock, Dublin 17.”
“The Malahide Road at Coolock remains open in both directions at this time. As this is a live and ongoing operation, An Garda Síochána has no further information.”
Fire has broken out at the Crown Paint factory in Coolock tonight..It’s been the centre of an anti-asylum seeker protest for months and has seen violent clashes between Gardai and protesters since Monday..My video is from the scene on the Malahide Road now.. pic.twitter.com/fGpLXPnY4C
— Padraig O'Reilly Photographer (@padraig_reilly) July 18, 2024
More to follow.