A large crowd assembled in Coolock on the north side of Dublin last night as it was rumoured that preparations were being put in place to erect accommodation on the site of the former Crown Paints plant.
The protests were sparked by reports that cranes were being brought to the site to assist in the erection of modular homes. Those reports appeared to be confirmed by the fact that the Gardaí proceeded to block off roads leading to the site.
One of the striking images from the protest in which hundreds of local people took part was the arrival of a cavalry of young lads who deployed their horses as part of the apparent determination of the protestors not to allow the installation of the site, and to prevent the arrival of any prospective occupants.
A screenshot of an email purporting to be from the Department of Integration has circulated on social media advising local representatives that it is in the process of considering an offer for the use of the former warehouse.
The email reads: “The proposal is for modular units placed inside the warehouse, providing mixed-use accommodation for families, couples, single adult males and single adult females.”
According to the email, international protection applicants would be accommodated gradually, and an estimated 500 people may be housed at the site.
The Department of Integration has been contacted for comment.
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Funny how emergence of rw populism in Ireland accidentally referencing deep mythological concepts. pic.twitter.com/azPCSrvTjU
— Thomas O'Reilly (@TOR_EuroCon) March 21, 2024
Proud to be Irish 🇮🇪
Large crowds protest tonight in Coolock against 1,000 migrants being planted in their area 😳Please follow us and share 🔄#IrelandisFull #IrelandBelongsToTheIrish pic.twitter.com/LAdQjFPc9S
— TheLiberal.ie (@TheLiberal_ie) March 19, 2024