Taoiseach Describes Violence At Coolock Protest As ‘Sheer Thuggery’ And ‘Mob Mentality’

The Taoiseach says the violent scenes in Coolock yesterday were ‘sheer thuggery’ and ‘mob mentality’.

Simon Harris said those involved can’t call themselves protestors, after rocks and missiles were thrown at gardai after violence broke out at a protest in north Dublin at a site earmarked for accommodation for asylum seekers.

"This is not protest, this is not an issue of community engagement.

"This is an issue of a relatively small number of people who think that they have a right to do whatever the hell they like in this country, who show absolute disdain for the laws of our land, disdain for the men and women of An Garda Siochana, disdain and disrespect for people going out and doing a day's work."

15/07/2024 Dublin Ireland. Scenes of disturbances have broken out at a site in Dublin that is due to be developed for International Protection applicants. A number of fires have been lit at the site of the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock where work was due to begin this week. Photo shows members of the gardai and public order unit chasing people on the street as a bus passes by. Photo: Eamonn Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

15 people appeared in court last night after being charged with public order offences. Four others are due in court today after 19 people were arrested by gardaí yesterday.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee, expects more arrests will be made today.

"Significant arrests were made. Fifteen men and women were before the courts and I expect that there will be more arrests later on today.

"Importantly as well, body cameras were used yesterday and will be part of the evidence in the coming weeks and months.

"This is not legitimate protest, this is criminal behaviour".

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, described Monday as "a difficult policing day".

"What we have seen today was unacceptable. We have seen attacks on Gardaí, criminal damage and offences of serious public disorder. All of these will be fully investigated.

I would like to comment on how well members of An Garda Síochána, including local Gardaí and Public Order units, dealt with a very volatile and difficult situation for over 12 hours.”

The Malahide Road was closed by Gardaí on Monday afternoon as officers dealt with public disorder in the area.

In a statement last night, An Garda Síochána said it was also aware of misinformation and disinformation being spread in relation to the protests.