Woman arrested for public order offences near Thornton Hall

A woman in her 50s has been arrested near Thornton Hall in north Dublin, a site earmarked as accommodation for International Protection applicants. She is facing charges of public order offences and will appear in court tomorrow.

Gardaí were assisting International Protection Accommodation Services and contractors to enter the site as part of plans to use Thornton Hall for asylum seekers. Addressing misinformation, gardaí denied any secret transfers of international protection applicants to the site.

Protests have delayed the commencement of work at Thornton Hall, but “enabling works” started today to prepare the site for the arrival of asylum seekers in September. The initial capacity will be for 40 people, with 440 more to follow in October and November.

The site will offer tented accommodation initially, with plans for modular accommodation in the future. The Department of Integration is engaging with local representatives and community groups, emphasizing the importance of Thornton Hall in accommodating those seeking international protection.