The people of Coolock, north Dublin, celebrated a hard-fought victory as the Department of Justice announced it would no longer pursue plans to convert the former Crown Paints factory into an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre. This decision, hailed as a shining example for Irish communities, followed over a year of relentless community advocacy, legal challenges, and unwavering commitment to preserving Coolock’s identity and safety.
The campaign, led by groups like Coolock Says No, was driven by concerns over resource strain, community safety, and the suitability of the site, which was proposed to house up to 574 single male asylum seekers. “Coolock has shown Ireland how to stand united for our home,” said community leader Sarah Murphy, as reported by Dublin Gazette. A local mother echoed the sentiment, stating, “Our children deserve a Coolock that’s safe and ours,” per Dublin Gazette, reflecting the community’s fierce pride.
The Liberal, standing firmly with Coolock and opposing unchecked mass migration, praised the outcome, declaring, “Coolock’s victory proves communities can protect their way of life against unsustainable migration policies,” urging other towns to take note. Posts on X erupted in celebration, with users comparing Coolock’s success to community efforts in Blessington and Carrickmacross, though such parallels remain unverified. The Coolock Says No campaign, a beacon of grassroots strength, reaffirmed its commitment, stating, “Coolock is ours, and we’ll keep it strong,” per Dublin Gazette.
The Department of Justice, in a letter to local representatives, cited prolonged planning delays as a key factor in abandoning the proposal, noting, “The prolonged nature of this particular proposal’s progress through development and planning stages have been significant factors in the decision to discontinue,” as reported by the Irish Mirror. Despite earlier unrest, including arson attacks at the site, Coolock’s community channelled their efforts into peaceful resistance, earning widespread admiration.
As Coolock prepares for its July 2025 community festival, this proud Dublin suburb stands tall as Ireland’s vanguard, inspiring every town to defend its soul and build a future where communities thrive, united and unshaken.
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