A fire erupted at the old Crown Paints factory in Coolock after a protest against its conversion into asylum seeker accommodation. Following a suspected arson the night before, Dublin Fire Brigade quickly controlled the first fire. The Garda Public Order Unit was deployed to Coolock as protestors threw objects at them. During a peaceful protest, over 1,000 individuals gathered outside the factory, with speeches delivered by various speakers, including Councillor Glen Moore. The crowd then marched towards the local garda station, met by a heavy police presence. Despite Taoiseach’s warning against “thuggery,” the protest continued, fuelled by concerns over immigration…

After a harrowing ordeal in Dubai, Irish woman Tori Towey has finally returned home to Ireland. She expressed her relief upon landing in Dublin, accompanied by her mother, Caroline, and greeted by her aunt, Ann Flynn. Tori thanked her family, friends, and various Irish officials for their support during her ordeal. Trapped in Dubai due to false charges of attempted suicide and alcohol consumption, Tori’s case was raised in the Dáil by Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. Thankfully, the authorities in Dubai dropped the charges and lifted the travel ban, allowing Tori to return to Ireland. Upon her arrival,…

A serving soldier who beat a woman unconscious in Limerick two years ago received a suspended sentence, causing outrage among domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid. The charity reported over 40,000 disclosures of domestic abuse in a year. The CEO, Sara Benson, expressed concern about the seriousness of violence against women and questioned society’s commitment to zero tolerance. The victim in the case, Natasha O’Brien, suffered physical and mental health consequences, losing her job as a result. Women’s Aid emphasized the importance of considering the impact on the victim and reassured support following the ordeal. The Defense Forces are under scrutiny…

Volunteer Olivia Headon sprung into action before dawn after hearing about new barriers being placed around the tents housing asylum seekers near Dublin’s Grand Canal. With the help of other volunteers, the men were assisted in packing up their belongings as the makeshift camp was being cleared for the third time this month. According to Ms Headon, it was crucial for the men to have time to gather their belongings to avoid losing important documents. Fortunately, 109 individuals have been offered accommodation, with most expected to be relocated to CityWest. However, the issue of homelessness among asylum seekers persists in…

Authorities in Dublin conducted a third operation to remove around 100 tents used by asylum seekers along the Grand Canal. This effort followed previous responses to clear tent encampments around the city. Contractors began setting up barriers early in the morning, with volunteers assisting in clearing out belongings and tents. The asylum seekers were informed that staying on canal property is illegal, prompting offers of alternative accommodation at Citywest. The Government announced the availability of beds in Citywest for International Protection applicants, leading to outreach visits and accommodation offers. State-provided shelter with essential services like toilets, showers, and health facilities…

Focus Ireland recently highlighted the dire situation of homelessness in Ireland, especially among asylum seekers left without accommodation due to the collapse of the IPAS project. Mike Allen, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Focus Ireland, emphasized the need for a society that does not tolerate homelessness on any level. Dr. Angy Skuse from Safety Net shared the mental health impacts of homelessness, revealing distressing stories of asylum seekers facing psychological turmoil. The failure to provide safe accommodation has not only affected their mental well-being but also their physical health, leading to untreated medical conditions and hospitalizations. Nick Henderson from…

Exciting news from Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman as he announces the availability of additional capacity this week to accommodate asylum seekers. The Grand Canal in Dublin now has over 100 tents pitched, prompting the need for proper facilities and sustainable housing options. Minister O’Gorman and Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill are working to provide alternative accommodation for International Protection applicants, ensuring sanitation and health facilities are accessible. The encampment along the Grand Canal began on May 9th, with agencies providing tents due to a lack of State accommodation. Tánaiste Micheál Martin expects Thornton Hall to be ready in…