Gardaí investigating suspected arson attack at Coolock site earmarked for asylum seekers
The fire at the Crowne Paints site in Coolock. Picture: DFB
For the second time this week, a fire has broken out at a site that was being refurbished to accommodate asylum seekers in Dublin.
The former Crown Paints factory on the Malahide Road in Coolock was the site of disorder and violence on Monday when a security guard was assaulted and a digger was set on fire among other incidents.
Just after 9pm on Thursday night, a fire which broke out in the lobby area of one of the buildings at the site.
Two units of Dublin Fire Brigade and seven garda public order responded to the incident. The fire was subsequently brought under control at around 10pm.
The scene of the fire was preserved overnight and gardaí are now investigating the suspected arson incident at the premises, which had been due to be converted to house some 550 IPAs.
"Gardaí and emergency services attended scene of an incident in which a fire broke out at a premises on the Malahide Road, Coolock, Dublin 17 on Thursday evening, July 18. The incident occurred at around 9pm," a garda spokesperson said.
"No injuries have been reported. Investigations are ongoing."
Some 21 people were arrested and charged over Monday's disorder, 15 of whom appeared in court on Monday night, with a further six appearing in court on Tuesday afternoon.
