The Garda commissioner said he did not believe there was currently an increased risk of violence during protests taking place at Dublin’s East Wall.
In recent days, there have been protests at the East Wall, over the accommodation of asylum seekers in a former BSE building in the area.
Locals complained that there was no consultation before the decision to use the building was made. The former office building is used to house up to 380 men, women and children who have come to Ireland seeking international protection.
Drew Harris said the Gardaí are closely monitoring the situation and analyzing social media comments made by some individuals 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, reports Irish Examiner.
Local TD and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe met with the group of East Wall residents this afternoon.
Speaking after the meeting, Donohoe thanked the representatives for meeting him and Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman.
“They raised very important and sensitive matters in a direct and appropriate manner. I recognise that these are deeply important issues for a community that I am privileged to represent in Dáil Éireann.” Mr Donohoe said, reports Irish Examiner.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, O’Gorman said there was an “absolute” need to keep communities informed about housing decisions for asylum seekers, but said Ireland also had 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.”
Independent adviser Nial Ring says there are legitimate concerns about housing asylum seekers in the former BSE 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, reports Irish Examiner.
Mr Ring criticized the government’s handling of the situation and said he credits local East Wall residents 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, reports Irish Examiner.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.