Disturbances have broken out at a former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, Dublin, where work was set to begin for housing International Protection applicants. Several fires were lit at the site, causing Gardaí to divert traffic around the Malahide Road.
Footage on social media shows a fire near an excavator and trees, with masked individuals shouting abuse. Dublin Fire Brigade and Gardaí are on the scene, and the Garda Public Order Unit is expected to be called in this afternoon.
According to RTE, the site is planned to accommodate up to 500 people in modular units inside the warehouse, including families, couples, single adult males, and females. The Department of Integration said they are working with public and community leaders on this proposal.
There have been previous protests against using the site for International Protection applicants, with some involving criminal elements. One protest leader has a history of drug dealing and connections with the extremist British National Party.
Gardaí stated they will allow peaceful protests but will intervene if demonstrations become criminal.