Anti-immigration protesters in Dublin have attacked police officers and set fire to cars at a site meant to house asylum seekers.
The violence erupted on Monday as preparations were underway to turn a disused paint factory into housing.
Irish PM Simon Harris called the violence “reprehensible,” saying:
No person has a right to burn cars, damage property or attack members of security and emergency services. These actions are criminal and are designed to sow fear and division.
Protesters gathered in the morning, some with their faces covered, and several bonfires were lit. Video and photos posted on social media on Monday showed an excavator truck on fire.
Violence escalated, with bricks and fireworks thrown at officials and rubbish bins and mattresses set on fire. Construction workers who were to begin renovating the premises were removed from the site. Mr. Harris also said:
A security guard was attacked for simply doing his job. He and his family are in my thoughts and I hope he makes a speedy recovery.
Police fired pepper spray as they tried to disperse a crowd outside a temporary anti-immigration camp.
Fifteen people, thirteen men and two women, appeared before a late-night Criminal Court hearing on Monday, charged with a range of public order offences.
All of the accused were released on bail with conditions of release, including not approaching the former Crown Paints site and not engaging in anti-social behaviour or protests. The protest camp was set up months ago to prevent workers from renovating the premises and people have been there around the clock.
Anti-immigration protests begin
On Monday, several hundred people gathered outside a former paint factory in Coolock, where a centre for 550 asylum seekers, including couples and women with children, is planned. A group of aggressive men waving the flag of Ireland began provoking police officers and throwing heavy objects at them. More than 20 people were detained throughout the day. To date, 21 detainees have been charged with various public order offences.
The number of arson attacks on asylum seeker accommodation facilities has risen sharply in the country since 2022.
During the violent riots in Dublin last November, which were sparked by unrest over increased immigration and triggered by a knife attack on a school, rioters also attacked facilities used to house asylum seekers.
