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Fourth fire in four days at Crown Paints site in Coolock

On Saturday, two units of the Dublin Fire Brigade were also called to the scene
On Saturday, two units of the Dublin Fire Brigade were also called to the scene

Firefighters were again called to the site of the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock in Dublin to deal with the fourth fire there in four days.

Gardaí say the Malahide Road was closed for a brief period yesterday evening to allow emergency services to gain access to the site.

The fire was described as minor and was brought under control.

Gardaí also reported a small number of protesters at the site yesterday.

On Saturday, two units of the Dublin Fire Brigade were called to the site to extinguish another fire, the Garda Public Order Unit also attended the scene.

Riot police march towards protesters during a demonstration in Coolock

Three gardaí were injured and one person was arrested following clashes at the site earmarked for housing asylum seekers on Friday night.

Of the three gardaí who were injured, one was taken to hospital for treatment for facial injuries.

A man in his 20s was also arrested at the scene. He was released without charge.

In a statement, An Garda Síochána said all three officers injured on Friday were recovering and a full array of welfare supports had been made available to them.

In the wake of the disturbances, Taoiseach Simon Harris warned that anyone who engages in "thuggery" and breaks the law while taking part in protests at Coolock will "face the full rigour of the law".

He said there was a big difference between the local community of Coolock and those "looking to sow division, damage social cohesion and generally bring fear and mayhem to an area".

In recent days, more than 1,000 people attended a protest outside the disused building in what was described by organisers as a peaceful meeting

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald called on the Government to establish "a process of engagement and dialogue" with the community in Coolock in the wake of the "violence and destruction" in the area.

In an open letter to Mr Harris, Ms McDonald said the incidents at the former Crown Paint factory site are "unacceptable and have rightly been condemned by all".

However, Deputy McDonald said after meeting with "residents and community groups" in the area and hearing their "anger and frustration", she is of the view there has been "no engagement" between the Government and locals regarding the site.

In recent days, more than 1,000 people attended a protest outside the disused building in what was described by organisers as a peaceful meeting.

A number of speakers delivered speeches outside the factory.

Crowds also heard from people who claimed they were pepper-sprayed during disturbances in the area on Monday night, while other speakers were critical of Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.

Additional reporting by Paul Reynolds