Firefighters in Coolock were once again called to the former Crown Paints factory to deal with the fourth fire in four days. The fire was minor and now under control, with a small number of protesters reported on-site. Three gardaí were injured and one person arrested during clashes at the site, which had been earmarked for housing asylum seekers. Taoiseach Simon Harris condemned the violence and warned that those engaging in unlawful behavior would face consequences.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald urged the Government to engage with the Coolock community following the incidents. Over 1,000 people attended a peaceful protest at the factory, voicing their frustrations and calling for dialogue with authorities. With tensions running high, speakers at the protest criticized the Garda Commissioner and shared accounts of pepper spray incidents.
It is clear that there is a need for open communication and understanding between the government and the local community to address the issues at hand.