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Irish PM Denounces ‘Reprehensible’ Violence in Dublin

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Fifteen individuals were brought before a special court in Dublin following violent protests at a site designated for asylum seekers. Protestors ignited pallets and construction equipment at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, North Dublin, causing a significant fire. The site on Malahide Road was scheduled for development later in the week.

Taoiseach Simon Harris condemned the violence as “reprehensible.” The fifteen individuals who appeared in Dublin District Court on Monday evening faced public order charges, including non-compliance with police orders and threatening or abusive behavior. They were released on conditional bail, provided they avoid the protest site, and are due back in court on September 18. Four additional people are set to appear in court on Tuesday morning.

Over 200 gardaí responded to the incident, with three Garda cars damaged, one of which was set on fire. According to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, pepper spray was used by the police, and a security guard along with several gardaí sustained injuries during clashes with the protesters. The disturbances involved petrol bombs, fireworks, and the burning of mattresses, which damaged a JCB. Fires were also set on the roads.

Gardaí classified the event as a public order incident and temporarily closed the road. Officers faced verbal and physical abuse throughout the day, which escalated to rocks, fireworks, and other objects being hurled at them. “A number of fires were lit and official Garda vehicles seriously damaged,” a spokesperson said. As the situation intensified, police used force in self-defense.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris remarked on the challenging day for his officers and condemned the violence, stating that there were attacks on gardaí, criminal damage, and serious public disorder offenses, all of which would be thoroughly investigated. He mentioned that 15 individuals had been charged, with more charges expected overnight.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee expressed her horror at the criminal behavior in Coolock and vowed that those involved would face severe legal consequences.

Dublin city councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha condemned the incident as “deplorable,” asserting that violence, intimidation, and arson have no place in communities. The Sinn Féin representative emphasized that the burning of vehicles and attempts to burn the building were violent criminal acts that must be condemned. He noted that the Department of Integration was developing the site to house families seeking international protection, urging those responsible to cease their actions immediately and condemning the efforts to spread fear and hate in the community.

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Dublin asylum seekers moved from Mount Street tents

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Asylum seekers who had been living in tents in central Dublin have been relocated to two designated accommodation sites by the Irish government. The makeshift campsite outside the International Protection Office on Mount Street had been in place for several months before authorities undertook a joint agency operation to ensure the safe movement of the asylum seekers to Citywest and Crooksling tented accommodations in County Dublin.

The government emphasized that the new sites offer robust, weather-proof tents with adequate facilities such as showers, toilets, indoor areas for food provision, charging stations, and 24-hour security. Despite initial reluctance from some asylum seekers regarding the suitability of the Crooksling site, authorities assured that it meets their needs and provides similar support as other locations.

Dublin City Council cleaned the streets following the relocation operation. Noel Wardick, CEO of Dublin City Co-operative, described the previous conditions on Mount Street as “absolutely appalling” and criticized the lack of political will to address asylum seekers’ accommodation issues. He emphasized the necessity for the state to fulfill its legal obligation to provide proper accommodation to prevent similar situations in the future.

The relocation process involved clearing the tents from Mount Street, with Dublin City Council workers restoring the area while asylum seekers were transported to Crooksling. This was the second attempt in recent months to find alternative accommodation for those living on Mount Street.

In response to concerns about the UK’s deportation plan to Rwanda potentially increasing refugee numbers in Ireland, the government approved drafting new legislation to designate the UK as a “safe country” for asylum seekers. This move follows assertions by Justice Minister Helen McEntee regarding the high percentage of recent asylum claims from individuals entering via Northern Ireland.

Currently, over 1,400 asylum applicants in Ireland lack accommodation, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by refugees. One asylum seeker from India, who arrived in Ireland via Northern Ireland, explained his departure from the UK due to post-Brexit immigration rules.

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Former Irish PM John Bruton dies after long illness

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Former Taoiseach John Bruton, a prominent figure in Irish politics known for his contributions to the Northern Ireland peace process, has passed away at the age of 76 after battling illness. His family confirmed his death, expressing their sorrow and remembering him as a devoted husband, father, and patriot.

Bruton served as Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 and played a significant role in advancing peace in Northern Ireland alongside UK Prime Minister John Major. Together, they launched the Anglo-Irish Framework Document in 1995, a pivotal moment in the peace process.

John Major paid tribute to Bruton, highlighting his dedication to peace and describing him as a formidable servant of Ireland. He emphasized Bruton’s commitment to prioritizing peace over political interests during challenging times.

Born in Dublin in 1947, Bruton began his political career in 1969 when he was elected to represent Meath in the Irish Parliament. During his tenure as Taoiseach, he led a coalition government and notably oversaw a referendum leading to the legalization of divorce in Ireland.

Current Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar praised Bruton as a “doer and a philosopher,” emphasizing his efforts to bridge divides and reach out to the unionist community. President Michael D Higgins also honored Bruton’s energy and dedication to politics, particularly his contributions to the Northern Ireland peace process.

Bertie Ahern, Bruton’s successor as Taoiseach, remembered him as a gentleman and a genuine advocate for the people. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola expressed deep sadness at his passing, echoing sentiments of loss across political spheres.

In Northern Ireland, political figures including First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly extended condolences to Bruton’s family. Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots and Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris also expressed sympathy, acknowledging Bruton’s positive impact on Anglo-Irish relations and his role in laying the groundwork for the Good Friday Agreement.

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Dublin riot sees clashes with police after five hurt in stabbings

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A knife attack in Dublin has left a five-year-old girl, a woman in her 30s, and a man in his 40s seriously injured. The incident occurred outside Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire school on Parnell Square East in the city center, prompting subsequent violence, including vehicle fires and shop looting.

The suspected attacker, identified as an Irish citizen who has lived in the country for 20 years, is now a person of interest in the ongoing investigation. Irish police have indicated that they are not actively searching for other individuals at this time and are pursuing a definite line of inquiry.

The disorder that followed the attack was attributed by the head of An Garda Síochána (Irish police), Drew Harris, to a “lunatic, hooligan faction driven by a far-right ideology.” More than 400 officers were deployed to maintain order, and riot police were called in as protesters gathered in the area near the crime scene.

The streets are reported to be mainly calm now, with no serious injuries resulting from the subsequent violence. However, Chief Superintendent Patrick McMenamin attributed the disorder to “gratuitous thuggery,” and several incidents of attacks on officers were reported. The exact number of arrests made remains unclear.

The unrest centered on several streets in Dublin city center, including O’Connell Street, where vehicles were set on fire, including at least one police car, a tram, and a bus. Additionally, a shop on O’Connell Street was looted, and the windows of other stores were smashed.

Trinity College, located nearby, went into lockdown, closing all gates to its campus due to the disturbances. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced the deployment of extra police resources in response to the situation, expressing shock at the knife attack and cautioning against misinformation circulating on social media.

Despite the ongoing investigation, the motive for the attack remains unclear, as stated by Drew Harris, who urged the public to “act responsibly.” The Irish President, Michael D Higgins, expressed his thoughts for the affected children and families, condemning the incident and discouraging its use for agendas that oppose social inclusion.

In response to the attack, the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) expressed solidarity with the Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire school community, describing the incident as horrendous and emphasizing support for those affected.

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