A large fire has broken out at a site which had been earmarked for asylum seekers in north Dublin.
Pallets and construction machinery have been set alight at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock.
Work was due to begin on the Malahide Road site this week, Irish broadcaster RTÉ reports.
Gardaí (Irish police) have described it as a public order incident and the road has been closed.
Three fire engines from Kilbarrack, North Strand and Finglas fire stations are in attendance, as well as a turntable ladder.
Fires ‘effort to spread fear and hate’
Dublin city councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha described the incident as “deplorable” and that “violence, intimidation and arson should have no place in our communities”.
“The burning of vehicles and attempted burning of the building are violent criminal acts and must be strongly condemned,” the Sinn Féin representative said.
He explained the Department of Integration had said the site is being developed to accommodate families seeking international protection.
“Those responsible should desist immediately,” he added.
“This is an effort to spread fear and hate in our communities and the vast majority of decent people want nothing to do with it.”
