Protests by hundreds of East Wall residents opposed to the placing of an asylum accommodation centre have entered a third week, with locals saying they want a referendum on the issue.
Organisers said their numbers grew again this evening despite freezing conditions, and protesters said that the demonstrations would continue and would escalate until the government stopped ignoring local concerns.
This evening, the protesters blocked both the Port Tunnel and the main artery into the port itself. Local organisers said hundreds of people took part in what was an even larger crowd
than last week.
#EastWall pic.twitter.com/3rB7FgzXBZ
— MedN (@NcMedb) December 5, 2022
Maclachy just announced group is splitting in two, interesting, what is happening next! Stay tuned #eastwall pic.twitter.com/uihI0ZIEMu
— Teach Gruama (@Bleakhouse12) December 5, 2022
Signing off from East Wall.
Another great turnout!
Ireland wants a referendum on Immigration! And we want it NOW!#EastWall #IrelandisFull pic.twitter.com/Fw5DEcY1Dl— RM.tv🇮🇪 (@RealMessageEire) December 5, 2022
East Wall protests now entering their third week. Protestors blocked the Port Tunnel and the road into Dublin Port. Traffic backed up in the Docklands. Demonstrators say their rallies will continue until the new centre for asylum seekers is closed down. #EastWall #Dublin pic.twitter.com/R7JVmhTtxJ
— Alison O’Reilly (@AlisonMaryORE) December 5, 2022
Widespread traffic disruption forced hold ups and diversions over the hour or so that the protest lasted.
Local committee member Malachy Steenson told Gript that the protests will, as promised, continue and be expanded for as long as it takes for the government to respond by giving an undertaking to close the centre at the former ESB offices.
Earlier today, the residents committee issued statement calling for a referendum to be held in East Wall to allow all people living in the area to vote on whether the centre ought to remain open.