Gardaí 'observing' social media commentary surrounding East Wall controversy

A Garda presence along Dublin's East Wall as people gathered to protest against the moving of asylum seekers into an old ESB building on East Wall Road. Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

The Garda Commissioner has said he does not believe there is currently a major risk of violence erupting at the protests taking place in Dublin's East Wall.

Protests in East Wall have been ongoing in recent days, over the housing of asylum seekers at an old ESB building in the area.

Locals have complained that there was no consultation before the decision to use the building was made. The former office building is being used to house up to 380 men, women and children who arrived in Ireland seeking international protection.

Drew Harris said that Gardaí are monitoring the situation carefully and analysing commentary on social media expressed by some people and groups.

"We are observing some social media commentary in the background of some of this and there is commentary of concern being expressed across social media around certain groups and certain individuals," Commissioner Harris said.

Local TD and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe met with the East Wall residents' group this afternoon.

Protests have been ongoing in recent days outside the building currently housing refugees. Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Donohoe thanked the representatives for meeting with him and Integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman.

"They raised very important and sensitive matters in a direct and appropriate manner," Mr Donohoe said.

"I recognise that these are deeply important issues for a community that I am privileged to represent in Dáil Éireann.

"I will continue to engage with representatives to provide information and I will do my best to respond appropriately to their concerns."

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr O'Gorman said there is "absolutely" a need to keep communities informed on decisions around housing asylum seekers but said Ireland also has a "moral and legal obligation" to house asylum seekers which requires the Government to "act quickly".

He said the alternative was to "leave people without homes".

"I think it is also important to say that in Ireland nobody does have a veto in terms of who moves within the neighbourhood or who gets to live within their community."

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Independent councillor Nial Ring says there are legitimate concerns relating to the housing of the asylum seekers in the former ESB building.

"We don't know if the building has even got planning permission. We understand that it hasn't got planning permission to be used as a hostel/hotel accommodation as it is," said Mr Ring.

"It is still in planning law supposed to be an office block. We don't know if health and safety or fire certificates are in place."

Mr Ring criticised the Government's handling of the situation saying he credits the local residents of East Wall for forcing the Government to stand up and answer questions on the matter.

"Only this week did they finally acknowledge that in any of these situations that consultation and communication is vital," he said.