Coolock factory earmarked for asylum seekers suffers seventh fire since July

Emergency services attended the scene of a fire at the former Crown Paints site in Coolock on Friday evening (October 18).

It is understood that smoke was visible from the building that has been earmarked to accommodate asylum seekers who have come to Ireland.

The Crown Paints factory on the Malahide Road in Coolock was the focus of several protests by anti-immigration protestors over the summer, with some protestors clashing with gardaí.

Dublin Fire Brigade and Gardaí are believed to have attended the scene at the site in Dublin 17.

While the circumstances surrounding how the fire started have not yet been confirmed, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed that emergency services attended a fire on Malahide Road in Dublin.

The spokesperson said: ‘Gardaí assisted local fire services following a fire at premises on the Malahide Road in Dublin earlier this evening.

‘No injuries have been reported.’

The former Crown Paints building fire in Coolock has now been extinguished by @DubFireBrigade. It’s earmarked to house International Protection Applicants against residents in the areas wishes. @EmmaNevin__ @robbiekane74 https://t.co/GFZTVdQxuy pic.twitter.com/qfUaZgrg8F

— Robbie Kane (@robbiekane74) October 18, 2024

The fire caused traffic disruption in the area as emergency services brought it under control, with the bus lane on Oscar Traynor Road remaining closed for a period of time.

The fire comes amid six previous fires at the site in recent months, with the Coolock factory being set on fire three times in four days by arsonists with several violent protests taking place close by.

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.