Coolock And Dundrum Sites To Proceed Despite Protests

Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman has announced that plans to Coolock and Dundrum sites in Dublin and Tipperary respectively, for housing international protection applicants will move forward despite recent protests. Speaking on Morning Ireland, O’Gorman emphasised the government’s obligation to provide accommodation for the growing number of individuals and families seeking international protection.

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Coolock and Dundrum Sites Face Controversy

The old Crown Paints factory in Coolock, targeted by protests and violent incidents last month, will continue to be considered for housing. The Garda Public Order Unit had to intervene due to multiple fires set at the site. In Dundrum, a legal challenge has been filed against the use of an old hotel for similar purposes, and protests have been ongoing since May.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald criticised the placement of such facilities in economically disadvantaged areas, suggesting that more affluent regions should share the burden. However, O’Gorman countered that accommodation is distributed across various areas, including both working-class and middle-class neighbourhoods.

O’Gorman acknowledged some shortcomings in community engagement but refuted claims of systemic bias against rural areas. He condemned the “disinformation and misinformation” circulating during the Coolock protests as harmful and misleading.